The Republican., 1890-04-05

went through the same operation Of ex-
amining the boxes, and this time made
a note in his book.
Convinced that the charges were true.
and that the clerks were innocent | left
the store and returned to my Office, feel
ing that all was over between Mabel and
myself. Still, concluded to follow M
the programme, and see to what extent
she would go.
That evening I called, and asked If
she had been at Smiths. She replied
she had, at two o'clock. "Smith said
YOU were there" said l, watching her
closely.
"Yes; about five minutes. expected
to see you there"
"But you did not see me-"
"No."
about half after two l was here,
and they say you left five minutss be-
| fore"
at was longer than that, fully twen-
ty-five minutes, by the watch"
They say you returned to makemore
purchases" said l, carelessly.
30, no; l was there but once"
"You did not return then?"
Certainly not. What do they mean
by making such assertions, I'd Ike to
know, Harry?"
Can not say" replied, kno vim fun
we'll that she had returned and s0ler
the piece of lace. After chatting fifteen
minutes or so, took my departure Won
9ering how young lady of her stand
ing in society, with ample meanA
command, would stoop to falseh0od ffS'
theft. The blow was hard one, m
deed, to my ambitions.
The following day resuped my DIS
guise, and appeared at Browt's, although
l felt that l had seen eTough to con-
vince me.
Mabel appeared at thee o'clock, in
spected some fine rings, and departed
without making a purchase. Nothing
was missing; nor did sne return.
She made some Purchases at Smiths
next day, returning shortly to look over
some silk handkerchiefs. Directing the
clerks attention 20 some article in the
next case, she slipped handkerchief in
| her handbag.
| concluded not to call at her home
until the programme was fulfilled, and
then should bid her farewell, and leave
town forever.
Saturday came. This was her day at
Browns. Some gold watches we're set
out for her inspection, and when an OPP
portunity offered, she stole one. was
now convinced that she was a thief, and
following her out, determined to tell
her SO. She was few yards IN advance
of me, and before reached ler she got
aboard street-car. Shouting to the
driver, and forgetting for noment that
| was supposed to be an old man, ran
nimbly enough, and caughtup with the
car.
Clearing my throat-for Twas nearly
choked with grief-I was about to speak,
when a letter upon the floor, and which
she had probably dropped, attracted my
attention. 1t lay near the door, and faar
enough under the seat to escape her lp-
tice.
Arising, l walked over to the SPIT
picked up the missive, noting the T.
dress, and handed it to her.
so, Mabel, poor Mabel" sighed, p
wardly, "how could have mistrusSd
you"
The letter had revealed ALL
| With a feeling of unspeakable reief
l sat silently noting the appearance of
the lady opposite. why did not think
of it before?" 1 asked myself Ye, l
had no reason to think SHE was here.
When the car stopped to let her Of, I
| followed, and saw her enter neat little
cottage. Taking down the street md
number, l returned, and hurried to all
on Mabel.
OF course I found her at home, md
disclosed the discovery had made.
Mr.. Briston was delighted, and in
sisted upon an immediate marriage
when tho whole thing was settled.
Mabel wept with Joy, and her mother
threw her arms about my neck and
| kissed me.
The lady at - street and No. -, vas
placed under arrest, the following Mon
day, but at the earnest solicitation OF
| Mabel, was let out on bail furnished by
| Mr.. Briston.
1t was Annie-my Annie of college
days gone by, who had proved such
fiirt that discarded her. This was one
of my reasons for going West. She dis
covered my whereabouts and followed
me up, assuming disguise and watch
ing my movements. Hearing of my
love for Mabel Briston, and our engage
ment, she was ready to do any thing tc
Illustrate the marriage.
The striking resemblance she bore te
Mabel and sufficient to deceive the store
clerks, and in turn myself, decided hei
plans. She would work up charge oi
kleptomania against Miss Briston by
purloining articles from the stores
where she traded.
Annie was the one who had returned
in all cases, the clerks surprising it tc
be Miss Briston. Luckily, her sehsaa6
failed to reach a climax. She it wa
whom / had met that morning.
Mabel, kind soul that she is, called II
see Annie, and forgave her, requesting
her to leave town, and not bring dis
grace upon all by a trial.
Annie concluded to take Mabel's ad
vice, and left; Mr.. Briston cheerfully
paying the forfeit and bail. hav,
never met her since.
Mabel and l were married the day fol