The Press., 1883-06-07

nies all knowledge of 1t 7?
 "I have heard so She would do that of course; but no one believes it.
 ''I believe it, , said Paul, earnestly, turn ing away.
 MT. Delevan found Howard closeted with MT. Mobiles, who had in gentleman ly manner expressed his regret, though he would listen to no offers of settlement, which Towards sensitiveness to publicity urged him to present.
 ''No, gentlemen" explained MT. Nobles, 'I am very sorry to disobiige you: but in business like this 1t Is necessary to guard against all attempts at dishonesty. And when brought to our notice, to protect our selves, we must punish the offender. And in this case, having brought the accusation, it is only justice to myself, as we'll as the accused, to sustain the charge, and give her a chance to prove her innocence, which, he continued, blandly, against my own interests, sincere ly hope she may be able to do."
 At this moment Paul appeared at the door, having thought to such purpose that he de- cided on risl1ing visit to the office without summons, though intercepted by Mir. Lor- rimer, who sternly ordered him back to his duty.
 ''I am going to the office, MT. Lorrimer," /" was Pauls reply, and the next moment found him on the threshold, looking little startled aG the presence or strangers, TOT ne QaQ nOpeu to find MT. Mobiles alone.
 Sat he had come for purpose, and with a bow advanced to the side of his employer, saying:
 ''I wish to speak with you, sir"
 Well," said Mir. Mobiles, kindly.
 Paul glanced at the two gentlemen as he re- piled: ''It is about Miss Charming, sir.'' ''Oh," said Mir. Mobiles, ''speak out then :; these are her friends, believe"
 Paul's face lighted. ''She is accused of taking piece of point lace from the store, is she not ?''
 ''She is but what do you know about it ?"
 Yesterday" began Paul, ''I was standing near Miss Channing's counter when her sister came in. I moved down short distance in sight of them both, but not near enough to hear their conversation. I saw Miss Mabel Charming cross to Miss Belle Simpsons count CT, carrying with her piece of lace which I remember, thinking at the time she wished to compare Presently saw Miss Simpson dis engage it from the outside of the basket on which it seemed to cling and place it inside the basket. I remember it, because waited a summons for the change, but received none. Miss Mabel did not return to her sister, but went out of the store. That is all, sir"
 MT. Nobles stared, Towards face lighted with hope, while Mir. Delevan struck his hand upon the table, with the exclamation, By love, that's enough. Boy, how old are you ?'
 ''Thirteen last April, sir" answered Paul.
 The lawyer rubbed his hands. He already saw Helen vindicated.
 'sBut," said MT. Nobles, ''I hardly see how that exculpates the prisoner. She evidently had the article in her possession"
 ''Not intentionally" replied MT. Delevan. ''The article, as you see, is not large, and be- ing of such fine texture might easily have caught on the basket without Miss Channing's knowledge. The only clue wanting is a mo- tive for this girl, Simpsons, action, as it was evidently done through malice. Have you any idea on the subject, MT. Nobles?"
 ''I have not" replied Mir. Nobles, ''but perhaps MT. Lorrimer may be better inform ed as he has better facilities for personal ob- servation. Paul, find MT. Lorrimer, and tell him I wish to see him in the office.''
 Paul startod on his errand, and shortly MT. Lorrimer entered very much puffed up in his own conceit, and with an air of one entering the presence of interiors.
 ''Be seated, MT. Lorrimer," said MT. No bles. "Mr. Delevan would like to obtain little information from you in regard to this affair of last evening""
 MT. Iorrimer bowed.
 ''I believe" said MT. Delevan, ''you were the first to suspect Miss Charming of disnon- esty''
 Mir. Lorrimer bowed He had no disposi- ton to share his laurels unless obliged to do so'
 ''Will you tell me on just what grounds you based your suspician :"
 This was carrying the war into Egypt win vengeance, but MT. Lorrimer evaded it by saying: s'It was not Miss Helen suspected, but her sister"
 Howard winced and bit his lip nervously but MT. Delevan continued:
 ''What particular event gave rise to your suspicion ?'
 MT. Lorrimer hesitated; he saw that he was cornered; so making bold effort he replied Pardon me, gentlemen but I do not see the necessity of being placed under cross-examina- tiOn at this lime. And, unless MT. Nobles in- sists, will defer farther disclosures until under oath"
 II think" said MT. Mobiles, ''you can say just what you expect to testify in court"
 ''Then," said MT. Lorrimer, making vir- tue of necessity. My attention was called in that direction by Miss Belle Simpson, who, I believe, had seen something which she con- sldered not quite right. I immediately coun- seled an examination of the stock, with what | result you have seen," said he, peremptorily |
 'Do you know what Miss Simpson had seen | that reused her suspicious? ?"
 ''I do not" said Mir. Lorrimer, for he had been very careful not to enlighten himself as | to particulars, the facts being all he consider ed safe to deal with.
 ''That is all for the present, said MT. Dele | van, and MT. Lorrimer bowed himself out of | the office.
 Turning to Mir. Mobiles, Mr. Delevan asked
 "Am I right in supposing it to be your wish | that this matter be thoroughly investigated at this time ?"
 ''You are," said MT. Nobles. ''Then will you please summon Miss Simp- son."
 In a few minutes Miss Simpson made her appearance, her bold black eyes, berouged face and much befrizzled hair making de- cided impression. MT. Nobles, with old school courtesy, arose, and placing a chair, said "Good morning, Miss Simpson. This is MT. Delevan, who with your permission, will ask you few questions"
 MT. Delevan bowed, saying: ''You are acquainted with Miss Charming, are you not p
 ri am," said the bold beauty, ''though Pm not proud to say it."
 'Ah," said MT. Delevan, ''then you do not consider it an honor !"
 ''I should think not, after last evening"" ''You were witness of the transaction, | believe?''
 1T can't really say that" said the conceited girl, ''but saw enough to convince me they'd bear watching"
 ''Will you tell me just what you did see ?'' asked Mir. Delevan.