The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-09-23
MRS. GASSOWAY'S CASE
By LEON MEAD.
Copyright 1891. BIZ The United Press,

Copyright 1894. BIZ The United Press)
John Gassoway had been sitting before
his roller-top desk in his luxuriously ap-
pointed Office In Wall street scarcely half
an hour one morning when an adolescent
fsctotum brought in the card OF Sumner
Croesrib of Crossrib, Gallup d Co.. promi-
nent dry goods merchants on Broadway.
SHOW him In" said Mr.. Gassoway to
the boy who Immediately withdrew. Mr..
Gassoway again scrutinized the card and
said half In a whisper to himself: He's
probably called to see me in regard to
bill. My wife does some of her internal
and eternal shopping there"
Mr.. Crossrib at that instant appeared in
the doorway and was affably greeted by
Mr.. Gassoway, the broker.
81 see you get down into the street occa-
sionally," said Mr.. Gassoway, by way Of
breaking the conversational ice.
"Oh, yes" replied Mr.. Crossrib taking
the chair to which the other had pointed.
But as general rule try to keep out Of
it." he continued, with sort Of suppressed
POPULARITY.
You remain on the safe side," suggested
Mr.. Gassoway. with sympathetic humor.
II try to-" was the reply. There was an
evidence Of restraint in Mr.. Crossrib's
manner which seemed foreign to it and
therefore all the more conspicuous.
well, Mr.. Crossrib, what may have the
pleasure Of doing for your"
'Mr. Gassoway, my errand is a delicate
and extremely annoying one to me, be-
gan Mr.. Crossrib. II hardly know how to
anger to an irresponsible pitch, and yet,
feel it my duty to be candid with you"
Don't have any false modesty, Mr..
Crossrib. am able to listen without al
lowing my passion to turn molten. II you
came in to borrow fifty thousand dollars
on no collateral could hear your petition
and still remain calm"
Il do not think you will ever hear from
my lips any such petition" said Mr..
Crossrib with bustling gesture as Of
proud derogation of such a desideratum as
money. Frankly, Mr.. Gassoway 1 do
not care any longer for your wifes trade"
"And why not?" demanded Mr.. Gasso-
way, with an incipient evidence on his
countenance Of being injured.
Because" answered Mr.. Crossrib.
"your wife was discovered yesterday af
ternoon in the act Of appropriating a
small piece of very costly lace. may add
that there was only yard Of it.
"Crossrib, what do you mean?" cried the
instantly Infatuated broker, springing to
bang that was significant to the clerks in
the adjacent rooms. That bang meant
that Mr.. Gassoway was not to be dis
turbed until he opened the Office door HIM
self.
Il mean exactly what l have affirmed"
pursued Mr.. Crossrib, land do not come
to you without the most positive assur-
ance that the woman who tried to conceal
that piece of lace on her person was-Mrs.
Gassoway."
Great Heavens! man, what are you
saying? 'Crossrib, have always heard
of you as a man Of honor. But go on.
Give me the proofs Of my wife's guilt"
las have told you, one Of our detec-
tives saw your wife place the lace which
she herself rolled up compactly. during
the temporary absence of the girl who had
been waiting upon her, into her reticule.
The detective, knowing your wife by
sight, and knowing she had an account
with the store, followed her to her car
rage and politely asked if she wished to
have the piece OF lace charged in her
name. Thereupon she flew into great
rage, slammed shut the carriage door.
and was driven away. What l tell you,
Mr.. Gassoway. is Gods honest truth"
Il cannot believe it, but one thing, Mr..
Crossrib, want to know now. Will you,
on your honor, assure me that this shall
go no farther for the PRESENT."
Yes" said Mr.. Crossrip, provided l am
protected, the world shall know nothing
about it,
Very well, Mr.. Crossrib. 1 am not sat-
listed. There must be some mistake. But
charge to me the value OF that lace and
put it in your next bill. Is that all, Mr..
Crossrib?"
That is all, Mr.. Gassoway," said the
grizzly-bearded merchant as he rose, and
with good day departed.
At six o'clock that day John Gassoway
reached his Madison Avenue residence.
Half an hour later he sat at the head OF
his table, with his wife at the other end,
and their three blonde children, his visit
ing spinster sister from Boston and pair
of more or less insipid twin brothers,
cousins of Mrs. Gassoway.
During the progress of the repast, Mr..
Gassoway noticed about his wife's neck a
piece of mist-like lace of wondrous tint
and texture He referred to it in compli-
mentary terms.
Yes said Mrs. Gassoway, vivaciously,
but with slightly heightened color in
her cheeks. Il was very fortunate in OBJ
tanning this piece at the store Of Crossrib,
Gallup & Co, yesterday afternoon. 1t is
genuine Mechlin."
Did you pay for it, or have it charged,
my dear?" asked Mr. Gassoway, attempt
ing to make his tone and manner casual.
Why, replied his wife somewhat con-
tuscdly. Il paid forit, John"
"a pang of doubt and bitterness shot
through Mr.. Gassoway's heart, but he
was not yet prepared to believe his wife
guilty. He thought it impossible that
she could be a kleptomanic, she who was
born in affiuence and had always been
able to crafty her most extravagant
wishes in respect of dress and luxury
Later that evening Mr.. and Mrs. Gasso-
way went to reception at the house OF
Mrs. Coyle. a fashionable young widow.
noted for the novelty of her midnight
spreads"
On returning home Mrs. Gassoway pro-
duced from her pocket beautiful little
pair of amber and gold-mounted opera
glasses.
See, John, what dear Mrs. Coyie insist
ed on giving me- Aren't they just sweets
She and l were chatting for few MIN
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