to using the eyes too steadily at times.  Sometimes a slight degree of fever accompanies this manifestation; pulse and temperature vary.  The patient is apparently in excellent health, but liable to loss of appetite, restlessness, and a sudden flushing of the face.  These symptoms are followed by others unmistakable:  the patient becomes silent at times; at times evinces a weakness for sentimental expressions; flushes easily; is easily depressed; will sit for hours looking at one person; and, if not checked, will exhibit impulsive symptoms of affection for the opposite sex.  The strangest symptom of all, however, is the physical change in the patient, whose features and figure, under the trained eye of the observer, gradually from day to day assume the symmetry and charm of a beauty almost unearthly, sometimes accompanied by a spiritual pallor which is unmistakable in confirming the diagnosis, and which, Dr. Lamour believes, presages the inexorable approach of immortality.

“There is no known remedy for Lamour’s Disease.  The only case on record is the case of the young lady described by Dr. Lamour, who watched her for years with unexampled patience and enthusiasm; finally, in the interest of science, marrying his patient in order to devote his life to a study of her symptoms.  Unfortunately, some of these disappeared early—­within a week—­but the curious manifestation of physical beauty remained, and continued to increase daily to a dazzling radiance, with no apparent injury to the patient.  Dr. Lamour, unfortunately, died before his investigations, covering over forty years, could be completed; his widow survived him for a day or two only, leaving sixteen children.

“Here is a wide and unknown field for medical men to investigate.  It is safe to say that the physician who first discovers the bacillus of Lamour’s Disease and the proper remedy to combat it will reap as his reward a glory and renown imperishable.  Lamour’s Disease is a disease not yet understood—­a disease whose termination is believed to be fatal—­a strange disease which seems to render radiant and beautiful the features of the patient, brightening them with the forewarning of impending death and the splendid resurrection of immortality.”

The Tracer of Lost Persons caressed his chin reflectively. “Exactly, Miss Smith.  So this is the disease which Dr. Hollis has chosen for her specialty.  And only one case on record. Exactly.  Thank you.”

Miss Smith replaced the papers in the steel cylinder, slipped it into the pneumatic tube, sent it whizzing below to the safe-deposit vaults, and, saluting Mr. Keen with a pleasant inclination of her head, went out of the room.