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He laughed, now placed entirely at his ease "Your need of mercy is

appreciated, fair lady Is it your desire to return to the hall?"

She shook her head positively "A cheap, gaudy show, all bluster and

vulgarity Even the dancing is a mere parody I early tired of it"

"Then let us choose the better part, and sit here on the bench, the

night our own"

He conducted her across the porch to the darkest corner, where only

rifts of light stole tre vines, and

there found convenient seats A moment they re

"Have you truly been at the hall," she questioned, "or were youto awaken my interest?"

"I truly have been," he answered, "and actually have danced a "

"With Phoebe Spencer! And yet you dare pretend now to retain an

interest in me? Lieutenant Brant, you est person I ever met Such a miracle has

never occurred before!"

"Well, it has certainly occurred now; nor am I in this any vain

deceiver I trulysmiles; I listened to hercaptive, fro down into her eyes, with her fluffy hair brushing my cheek,