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188 as if to dismiss a subject she had no desire to pursue further, "How beautiful is that 'Naïade' of Henner's! Not a mere realistic treatment of a model. The old painters to ought like that. So do Watts and Burne-Jones. But most of these Frenchmen's so-called 'nymphs' are dreadful to me."

He did not reply. He had turned suddenly pale, and his eyes were fixed on a figure which bad just entered the gallery at the further end. Several visitors had come in just before. Miss Shaw's back was turned towards them all; she was absorbed in contemplation of Henner's "Naïade." George recognized Lord Robert Elton instantly; he knew him well. He knew, too, his lordship's pursuit of Elizabeth. He divined at once the object which brought him to Paris. What was to be done? If Elton came up to them unprepared, discovery of George's secret was inevitable. With the rapidity of decision which might almost be called genius, he walked quickly down the room, and met Elton advancing towards him, his hand extended.

"How are you, Mr. Daintree? Little thought to meet you in Paris."

"I am here in a pension. Miss Shaw"

"Is that Miss Shaw, with her back towards us?"

"Yes. Miss Shaw is in the same pension. But I am a stranger to her. She does not know my name. May I ask you, as a favour, not to mention it? To her I am 'Mr. George.' She would resent the idea of being watched over by any one. She wishes to remain absolutely unknown."

"So I understand. Absurd! You are acting as a