The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1898-03-22

clerk gets here it might not be found
out. Oh, auntie, shall diet What
shall we do? III they find the pin on
anyone it will be an everlasting dis
grace; and they will be sure to search
us, auntie-they will be sure to search
us!'
The imploring violet eyes raised to
Miss Abigail ought to have melted the
heart of the stoniest criminal, but she
only whispered back, while sudden
color famed up in her own faded
cheeks and her teeth shut hard:
II guess they won't find it on me,
and L amt going to be searched
neither"
"Oh, auntie, dear auntie," begged q
whispering voice, "do-do be quick'
What does the child mean?" echoed
the old lady, under her breath, while
the clerk, seeing the evident fright and
worry in the faces before him, began
regarding them with startled suspicion.
"What-"
But before she could go further Mr..
Park, one of the proprietors, came
forward, quietly saying:
DOhiO eiiiS Please.
The two followed him to his private
office, and once there, the younger one
raised quivering face to his, saying
May 1 speak with you moment
entirely alone, please? And will YOU
telephone Mr.. Charles Van Essen to
come here at once?"
with pleasure, was the polite re-
Spouse. James," turning to clerk.
telephone Mr.. Van Essen. And now
will you come here, Mrs. Van Essen?'
The two disappeared before Miss
Abigail's bewildered eyes into an inner
Office.
'For mercy's sakel" calculated that
Mortified lady. 'It can't be! 1t
just can't be little Marguerite would
take that pinr'
Then the sound of pleading voice
came to her through the door, that
had not quite latched:
81 am perfectly willing to pay for it
if you only won't prosecutor
"Goodness!" sighed the aghast
listener.
'Kleptomaniac-she can't help TAX
ing little things" drifted through the
door.
"Horriblel too horriblel' com
mented Miss Abigail.
"Only wait until Mr.. Van Essen
comes! He doesn't know about it, -
continued the voice inside, "at least
I'm not sure that he knows"
Don't he!' cried the Mortified but
loving aunt, outside. Then he never
shall!" Without hesitation she opened
the door and rushed in.
Here, Mr.. Storekeeperr' she
cried; don't say another word about
that diamond. I'm perfectly willing
to pay for it. Just make out your
bill, and I'll give you check. There.
there, Margie, petty Auntie knows
it'll pever happen again; and don't
you cry so, dearier'-for Marguerite,
when Aunt Abigail offered to pay for
the missing gem, gave little cry of
dismay and began sobbing violently.
The proprietor looked in puzzled
surprise from one lady TO the other.
Certainly Miss Abigail was the most
straightforward thief he had ever
seen; but before he could accept her
offer Mr.. Van Essen walked in.
Don't tell him a word, Margue-
rite!' implored Aunt Abigail.
why, what's the matter?" he de-
manded. "What have you been cry
ing for, my darling?"
"Oh, Charlie! it vast VAS
And poor innocent Marguerite looked
as il she were going to cry again.
at was about the pin wanted to
serenely. "3he couldn't decide which
one to take. and so we sent for you"
after all she must be an old of
fender" thought the indignant mer-
chant; Give mind not to let her
off so easily"
81 don't see what you are doing in
here" persisted Mr.. Van Essen. II
can't understand yet why Marguerite
should be crying about it.
''Give it TO him" interposed the
proprietor, politely. II believe you
have it, Miss Van Essen"
"Me" exclaimed Miss Abigail,
sharply. "You mean Mrs. Van Essen
Give him the diamond, pet, aud let
him see it! Auntie is going to pay for
it, you know" she added. soothinglv.
with significant look at the pro
prietor.
II haven't the diamond cried the
startled Marguerite.
you haven't it," echoed Miss Abb
gail. Then what made you say sou
"MeP' almost screamed Marguerite.
"Me-I say [ had it,
well, If you haven't it, who has?''
demanded the now aroused Miss Abb
gail. az heard you say you had il.
You said you we're kleptomaniacr'
"The deuce, Aunt Abigail cried
the bewildered Nr. Van Essen. "What
does this all mean:"
I'm sure I don't know" answered
Miss Abigail, all her GOODNESS leaving
her when she discovered Marguerite
either was not the thief she bad con.
fessed herself on was so hardened she
now meant 20 deny it entirely. 'I'm
sure I don't know Ask him"
II was evidently useless 20 question
Marguerite, who sat staring at Miss
Abigail in anguished entreatv. muir
muring feeblv, con. aunty. DIDO
tell-please do IL will be much bet
teri aud similar disconnected sent
fences.
Mr. Van Essen turned sternly 10
the proprietor.
DO I understand you accuse one
OF these ladies' az