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Elizabeth's Pretenders
189

kind of sentinel over her, then? Odd women are! Like mystery—otherwise why should she? Of course, I am going to speak to her. But I'll respect your wish to remain incognito. Saw your uncle a few days ago."

"He did not give you any clue to Miss Shaw's abode?"

"Not wittingly. Guessed she was painting somewhere. Who is that with her? Another painting-woman?"

"Yes. A Miss Baring—American."

"Miss Shaw turns her head. She sees us—recognizes me—must go and speak to her;" and he walked quickly down the room, followed by Daintree.

Elizabeth's surprise was anything but pleasant, and she showed it. She was tracked, then; and all the pains she had been at to remain undiscovered were frustrated by this act of indiscretion on her part. At first it did not occur to her that their meeting was the result of anything but accident. Afterwards she remembered that passage in Mr. Twisden's letter which referred to Lord Robert. She felt sure her old friend would not intentionally betray her, but he might have dropped a word which had led the young man to suspect that she was in Paris. And in her first annoyance at recognizing him, the curious coincidence that he should be on cordial terms with Mr. George was overlooked.

Elton shook hands with her, as though it were the most natural thing in the world that they should meet thus.

"So you have carried out your idea of coming to Paris to study, Miss Shaw? Quite right to keep yourself