ertisements and sent them by special messenger
to the newspaper office. The first one read: "Linda: important paper
not destroyed, as suspected. Communicate at once with Eastborough,
'Herald' office." The second was worded as follows: "Celeste A----t: an
American friend has a message for you from me. Send your address at once
to Eastborough, 'Herald' office. ALGERNON H."

[Illustration: ALICE RECOVERS HER SIGHT (ACT IV.)]

Then began the days of weary waiting; the careful examination of the
"Herald" each morning, to be sure that the advertisements were in, for
both had been paid for a week in advance. The request for mail made
every morning at the "Herald" office received a stereotyped "no" for
answer; then he vowed that he would advertise no more, but would enlist
other aids in the search.

On the morning of the eighth day Quincy stood upon the steps of the
Fifth Avenue Hotel. He was undecided which way to go. It is in such
cases of absolute uncertainty that unseen powers should give their aid,
if they ever do, for then it is most needed. He did not hear any angels'
voices, but he crossed over Broadway and started up town on the
right-hand side of that great thoroughfare. As he walked on he glanced
at the shop windows, for they were resplendent with holiday gifts, for
Christmas was only one short week away.

Just beyond the corner of Broadway and Twenty-ninth Street his attention
was attracted by a wax figure in a milliner's window. The face and
golden hair reminded him of his wife, and he thought how pretty Alice
would look in the hat that was upon the head of the figure. His first
inclination was to go in and buy it, then he thought that it would make
an unhandy package to carry with him, and besides his taste might not be
appreciated.

Thinking, however, that he might return and purchase it, he glanced up
at the sign. One look and he gave a sudden start backward, coming
violently in contact with a gentleman who was passing. Quincy's apology
was accepted and the gentleman passed on, giving his right shoulder an
occasional pressure to make sure that it was not dislocated. Then Quincy
took another look at the sign to make sure that he had not been
mistaken. On it he read, in large golden letters, "Mdme. Archimbault."

It was but the work of an instant for Quincy to enter the store and
approach the only attendant, who was behind the counter nearest the
door.

"Could I see Mdme. Archimbault?" he inquired in the p