The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1903-10-29

face, irradiated now with a light which
was not color, but rather the out
ward evidence of an inward fire! For
just one moment the eyes of the two
| women meteor just one moment.
Then Miss Lennox passed into the
room beyond, and Laurie Isle had
sunk back in her chair, with a strange
chill at her heart.
Was it an omen of the things to be?
Mr. Bowers rose and placed seat,
with urbane Difference, as his client
entered the room. A comfortable
looking room, too, with its thick car
pets, it's heavy curtains, it's bright fire.
And notwithstanding man, it's oc-
cupant A little, round, rosy individ-
ual, with bald head, keen, light, sus-
picious eyes, and long side whiskers
of whitening gray-a man with pru-
IDENTIFY tied tongue and a scrupulously
open air.
Good morning, Miss Lennox-de-
lighted to see you. I'm sure! How is
her ladyship? You have come to in
quire about those shares of yours?
Pray be seated"
NO" she answered abruptly, quite
blind 10 his bland civility; Il have
not come about the shares. Nor have
| come on any mission connected with
Lady Darlington. She does not even
know / have come. My business is
wholly and distinctly-mine!"
He bowed gravely.
Believe me-" with professional dis
certion, lit shall be sacred with me-"
She walked hurried away, then
came back and stood before him tap
ping her foot perplexedly--an irrita-
ted, conscious, glowingly handsome
woman-her dark eyes were shining
with vague reslessness.
"Mr. Bowers" she burst out sudden
ly, "you must do something for me.
To be explicit, about the end of July
Lady Darlington and her son had an
interview which ended ina differ
ence of opinion. He left home.
have discovered that he sold his COM
mission-that he did not go to India
with his regiment. Where did he go?
My lady is too indignant to care, too
proud to inquire, If she cares. l."
second of hesitation, and then more
SLOWLY am not too proud"
II understand" with quiet respect.
She looked at HIM steadily a mo-
ment, halfdefiant expression widen |
ing and lighting her slumberous eyes. |
NO" she went on, little sadly, in
hnt II, h,,, t. TIC,
self-accusation, II am not proud, or |
would never have done what | am do |
ing today. You must find Give Car
rington for me. IL necessary, you |
must employ detectives to aid you.
You must tell me where he is, how he |
is, in what circumstances-th slight |
est minutiae. My funds are at your
disposal; you shall draw ON them as /
often as you see fit. You understand"
Perfectly"
when will you bring me the result |
OF your work.
in November, IL possible; not |
sooner"
very well. We are going down to
Blackcastle early in that month. You
must coHe to me there. Good morn
ing!"
Good morning, Miss Lennox!" the |
little lawyer answered, with suaye
warmth, and held open the door for
her to pass through.
And even as she went her costly |
robes brushed the dusky draperies of |
a woman who went slowly by her.
The information for which she |
thirsted was nearer than she dreamed. |
Laurie Lisle passed into the adjoin-
ing room with her graceful, weary
tread.
Mr.. Bowers did not rise this time |
from the huge mahogany desk before |
which he had installed himself He
wheeled round on his pivot chair and
faced his latest client.
Take a chair" he said, with meas
ured politeness-"take chair. Well?"
She sank tiredly to seat.
81 have come to tell you a strange
story, Mr.. Bowers" slowly. 81 have
a claim on your attention. You will
listen to me?"
"Assuredly"
He was looking at her with face
full Of mingled admiration and bewil-
derment.
about two months ago." she went
on, speaking as though with an effort,
my father received letter request
ing that go 10 the writer-a relative,
residing in Colorado. America. My
father died. | went. Halfway over
the vessel in which sailed became a
bonfire. After living two days in a
life-boat on the open sea, | was among
the few rescued by passing steamer.
The steamer was homeward bound, so
was brought back to London. To-
day | remembered your name and ad-
dress. both sent to my father by my
grandfather, as that of his English
lawyer. was quite alone in strange
city, so / came to YOU"
'Your manner" he questioned. you
have not told me that. Your name?"
"My name is Laurence Lisle. My
grandfather's you know-have known
for years--Allan Atherton."
For a moment his glance rested on
bar IN ap,o1ar,a than oil of orrp