The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1890-04-10
WAS IT KLEPTOMANIA?
How tho Identity OF the Thief Was
Revealed by q Letter.

How tho Identity OF the Thief Was
Revealed by Letter.
an . lawyer BY profession. and,
when occasion demands, an amateur de-
tective.
In 1877. following my graduation from
law college in the East, started for
the West to seek good location for the
practice of my profession.
For time ! had little to~do, more
than earning q bare subsistence. But
my patronage continued growing. until
ut the end Of two years had earned the
reputation Of being the best lawyer in
the place. This distinction also gave
me high place in social circles. all Of
which was very satisfactory to me, OF
course. My income. at this time, had
reached figure sufficiently large to
warrant me taking life partner to
share my good fortune.
Mabel Briston, handsome young
lady OF eighteen summons. and daughter
Of . retired merchant reputed to be
worth half million. attracted my at
tention. | cared nothing for Mabel's
wealth. her sweet disposition and unaf-
fected ways alone being the charm l
sought It was love at first sight on my
part, and felt that she returned the af-
lection. One invitation to call at her
home succeeded another, until my visits
became settled thing. Finally, pro-
posed, and was accepted.
Robert Briston had risen from the
ranks of poverty by his own exertions,
and expected every young man with
grit to do the same. So when called
upon him requesting the hand Of his
daughter Mabel, my proposition was
met with firm refusal.
when you have acquired a reason
able amount of wealth, Harry" said he,
'.you may have Mabel. just at present
you have fair income. but that is not
sufficient. have no objections to you
on any other score, and il you so desire,
you may wait upon her as usaal.'
Acqnainting Mabel with the result Of
my mission, l went home rather low
spirited and dissatisfied that night.
But still darker cloud soon came to
cast gloom over my spirits-a cloud
with silver lining.
One morning. while on my way to the
Office, saw Mabel turn a corner near
by and come in my direction. and. when
she saw me, retrace her steps and cross
to the other side of the street.
This action on the part OF one dearly
loved, made me feel very uncomfortable.
Had her father turned Mabel against
me? No; she loved me too we'll for that,
knew. Still. it seemed very strange.
Entering my office l sat down to think
1t over. A feeling. of heart sickness
drove out all ambition for business that
day. SO had no sooner settled down
than | was up again, preparing to leave.
Stepping out, came face TO face with
Mr.. Briston.
We'll, Harry" said he. extending q
hand, Il called to have talk with you"
A great wave of joy swept over my
soul, as replied:
Very well, Mr.. Briston; step inside,
please" Offering him my easy-chair.
II hope you have reconsidered your
answer. SIR"
THAT is not what came to talk
about, Harry, although Mabel Is the
one concerned"
''You wish some legal advice, then?''
"Yes, in a measure. Some curious,
and, ! may add, very annoying whims.
have taken possession of her lately
''She must have had one of them this
morning. as she passed near me on my
way to the office, and never spoke"
interrupted.
Mr.. Briston took off his specs, polished
them with a pocket handkerchief, and,
replacing them, eyed me critically.
You saw Mabel? Why, left her at
home only an hour SINCE"
''Ye~. sir, did, and ! know she
couldn't help seeing me. That's what
worried me when you came. / was
about to close the Office for the day."
young men should never worry; il
makes them grow old SO much the faster.
But to the object of my visit
I'm all attention, Mr.. Briston."
"Very we'll. Now, Harry, I'm worried
myself over Mabel's capers-not her
love for you, remember, but something
far worse. fear she is given to-to
kieptomania, and"
"What! Mabel?" said I, Indignantly.
"How dare you accuse your daughter OF
such a thing?"
THAT is what came to talk about,
he replied, calmly.
surely. you do not mean 1t, SIR" said
]. in husky voice. There must bt
some mistake"
No mistake about 1t. Smith, the dry
goods dealer. and Brown, the jeweler
have both called on me and laid charges
of theft against her-the taking of bits o.
lace, ribbons, pocket handkerchiefs, ani
other nick-nacks from Smiths, and ;
costly brooch from Browns Now wha
do you think OF it?'
] was too stunned to think of an,
thing, and told him as much.
We'll, / don't know what to thlnl
either" he continued. ''Of course pait
them for the articles stolen, but tina
won't stop the internal gossip nov
spreading"
III call on Mabel at once, Mr.. Bris
ton"
do SO; and If you succeed in stoppin
this thing you may have her"
Thank you, sir. I'll do my best"
Then we parted.
/ found Mabel in tears.
why these tears, Mabel?" l asked
removing her hands from her face an
lmprisoning them within my own.
She gave me. quick glance, quietl
withdrew her hands, and looked ava
from me,
Mabel" repeated, lean you not cor
0de in me?''
Ibid papa call on You this morning3
she asked, her eyes upon the carpet
Eyes, Mabel"
Then he told you alp"
Eyes"
''And do you believe these charge
true, Harry" her lips quivering.
mo" ! thought it best to prsvari
cate just then.