Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-09-19
CHAPTER XII. tcontinued,.

CHAPTER XII, (continued).
The Ambassador introduced the
young man to his hostess, and after
few words Of general conversation
left them, and went to another part
OF the room to talk to u famous Eng
fish novelist.
81 have been anxious to meet you,
said John Shil quietly when they were
alane. 81 am so glad that l was able
to get an introduction to your house
Leonore gave a shape glance at his
face. She was used to little speeches
of this sort, but, as rule they were
uttered in very different tone OF
voice; and the look in John ShiIs eyes
di6 not suggest any attempt at com
pliment. She smiled courteously
~ am very pleased you have come,
she replied. II am always glad to meet
English people, though l am, as you
know, an American, and the English
are our rivals in Paris. The French
have not yet decided which of the two
nations spends most money in their
beautiful capital. She laughed mer-
rily, but there was no answering smile
on John Shil's face. His. thoughts
seemed to be far away, and faint
flush came into Leonore's cheeks. His
inattention showed lack Of good
breeding, and La P'tite Jackson"
was not used to the company of men
who paid no attention to her. She
made quite resolve to bring this hard
faced millionaire into the ranks of
her admirers, and then show him his
proper place-at the foot of the lowest
rank of all.
Shall we sit DOWN." she said, after
short pause.
Eyes," he replied abruptly, and then,
realising the rudeness OF his reply, he
smiled. "I beg your pardon he add
ed. II should have said Thank you
or I should be delighted You must
excuse my manners, Miss Jackson.
have had still have-a good deal
of worry and anxiety. 1 cannot help
thinking of things that I certainly
ought not to think about when l am
talking to you. Let us sit down.
very much wish to have chat with
you"
Leonore smiled with genuine pleas
ure. Her opinion Of the man under
went a quick and remarkable change.
He had, to some extent opened his
heart to her, complete stranger. His
words flattered her vanity 1t was
evident that he had some evidence OF
womanly sympathy, some genuine
worth in her character. No man speaks
to woman in the way he had spoken
unless he has high opinion of her,
S,,1 h ,fr oIx hN1y bn
moved towards large sofa, which
stood in corner Of the room, and
seated herself at one end of it. John
Shil followed her and took his place,
not at the other end of the sofa, but
rather close to her side.
For few moments neither of them
spoke. Then Shil looked at the act
ress's face, and, as though treasured
by what he found there, broke the
silence.
II have particularly wished to meet
you,' he said abruptly, and then he
paused, as If uncertain how to pro-
coed.
II am flattered," replied Leonore
quietly. but without trace of either
sarcasm of coquetry in her voice.
II understand" Shil continued,
'that you know a, very large number
of English people in Paris. l have
been looking for someone-a lady. 1t
is possible you might have met her
have some reason to believe that she
is, or was, In Paris. I have advertised
in al 1.-The papers. The English Am
bassador himself has given me all the
assistance in his power. 1 have made
inquiries everywhere, but have heard
nothing"
He spoke quickly and earnestly,
and an eager look came into his hard
face. Leonore noted both the look
and the almost passionate note in his
voice. Her curiosity was aroused.
She did not as rule, take much Iii
terest in the troubles of strangers, but
the mans face attracted her in some
way that she could not clearly define,
and she was pleased at the idea of
being possibly able to give him some
assistance.
Paris Is a large place" she re-
piled. But l should thing II you
went to the police"
Il have done that, of course" he
interrupted roughly Everything that
money can do has been done. | feel
that I must trust to chance. 1t is
possible that may meet someone who
can help me. The lady's name is
Vane, Miss Laura Vane."
Laura Vane," she repeated thought