The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-26

could she have for believing in him more
than in any man who might happen to
cross her path? Yet he felt that some
thing must be done and at once. His blood
boiled when he thought of this sweet girl
III the nanGs OF woman whom he knew to
be an entirely INSCRIPTIONS adventures.
although he had never actually seen her
before he had known Of her and her his
tory Tor some time. 1t was strange enough
that he was now on his way to Paris TO
investigate certain actions Of hers with
regard to a client of his own He knew
her to be crafty and dishonest. Clever she
was without doubt, and was possessed of
a certain amount of fascination for some
natures. She was lover of intense gayety
and luxury. She had fooled a number of
weak people in many ways. chiefly, per-
haps. In matters Of finance. Her plan was
to always have with her some innocent
and beautiful woman as a decoy to her re-
eeptions. She was we'll known IN a certain
circle in Paris, and these people were not
unwilling to help her in her dishonest
practices so long as she made 1t profitable
to themselves. There were times when she
had felt the pinch of poverty, when she
had risked her last twenty francs upon the
gaming table at Monte Carlo and lost; but
her wits had so far made way for her,
and within short time she might be seen
driving her beautiful horses In the Bots.
All this was known to John Thornley,, and
when he picked up the envelope addressed
in the handwriting of his client he had
experienced a shock which 1t took all his
presence Of mind to conceal. II will save
that girl from this woman he had said
to himself with decision. The question now
was how to proceed Should he try to
snatch a few words with her in going
ashore or should he write? He then re-
membered that he did not know where to
address letter, and the matter was imme-
date. After turning things over in his
mind for some time he decided to write a
short note and trust to the chance of find
ing an opportunity Of delivering 1t himself
He tore leaf from his pocketbook and
after making several attempts to express
his meaning wrote the following words:
You are in much danger. I fear you are
deceived in the lady with whom you are
travelling. L greatly desire to have few
words with you to explain my meaning. Can
you forgive me- an utter stranger, for TAX
ing this liberty?"
He signed his name and gave his address
in Paris, then folded the paper into small
compass and put it into his pocket. Fortune
gave him his opportunity soon after they
reached Paris. He was in the custom house
undergoing the examination of his luggage
when he found himself close to the two
ladies. He felt like thief. trying to es-
cape observation, as he endeavored to give
the note to Sybil Hammond She took 1t
ceiving what she had done, drew herself up
with pride, looked him full in the face,
dropped the note at his feet, turned her
back upon him and engaged herself In con-
versation with Miranda.
John felt mortified. The color mounted
to his bronzed face as he turned aside. He
was foiled for the moment, but his quick
wit at once perceived another plan. He
would follow their cab. He had learnt one
thing at any hatcher name. He had seen
it neatly engraved upon her small handbag.
Through all his annoyance he felt pleased
that the girl had behaved as she had. 1T
is exactly how she ought to have turned
upon a strange man." he said; and yet he
was vexed that circumstances had placed
him in this particularly uncomfortable and
false position.
Leaving his luggage to be sent on to his
hotel he stepped into a cab just as Mrs.
Lister and her companion were leaving
the station. He told his man to follow
at a distance. but to keep the first cab in
/ sight the whole time. After drive of some
length they finally stopped at house in
the Champs Elysees, and he at once gave
instructions to be driven past. Keeping
himself well back in his seat to escape OBJ
| servation he carefully noticed the house
and number making note of the latter in
his book. He then told his man to drive
to the Continental. There was nothing
more to be done that night, so he went
| in and dined.
The two ladies entered the charming
| apartments, which looked so dainty and
| fresh. Miranda seemed perfectly at home
as she threw Off her heavy travelling wraps
st thought you would like my little fat"
she said. delighted at SYPHILIS admiration
Welcome to Paris dear, and may you have
a real good time here. May we both have"
she added playfully.
| 81 am simply charmed with it." returned
| Sybil; land am sure it will be my own
| fault If 1 do not have good time. You
are too kind This is not at all the sort of
| thing I expected when 1 came out as a
| companion"
please forget the horrid word, and fancy
| you are my sister something. 1 should
like you to call me by my Christian name.
| too, If you have no objections"
Sybil felt that she had fallen upon a bed
of roses. She went to sleep that night mag
lining all kinds of delightful things in the
| future. John Thornley, had crossed her mind
| several times, but whenever she had
| thought of him she had felt hot and dis
pleased. How could be so deceived in a
man? could have staksd my faith on his
| being q gentleman. And what must he
have thought OF me to assume he could
| take such a liberty?" Curiously, she never
mentioned the incident to Miranda. She
was up early next morning. She slipped on
her dressing gown and flung open her win
| dow. 1t was a bright, exhilirating morning.