It was a stirring scene he saw, and certainly a gathering
of manhood of a very exceptional character. The lobbies were full
of lovely, brilliant women; and scattered among them;--chatting,
listening, love-making--was many a well-known hero, on whose
sun-browned face the history of Texas was written. The matter in
dispute did not much interest Elizabeth, but she listened with
amusement to a conversation between Phyllis and pretty Betty Lubbock
about the latter's approaching wedding, and her trip to the "States."
In the middle of a description of the bridal dress, there fell upon
her ears these words: "A bill for the relief of the Millard Rangers."
She looked eagerly to see who would rise. It was only a prosy old man
who opposed the measure, on the ground that the State could not afford
to protect such a far-outlying frontier.
"Perish the State that cannot protect her citizens!" cried a vehement
voice from another seat, and, forthwith leaped to his feet Captain
John Millard. Elizabeth had never seen him, but she knew, from
Phyllis's sudden silence, and the proud light in her face, who it was.
He talked as he fought, with all his soul, a very Rupert in debate, as
he was in battle. In three minutes all whispering had ceased; women
listened with full eyes, men with glowing cheeks; and when he sat down
the bill was virtually passed by acclamation.
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