Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-05-18

| voluminouS skirts across a pavement
luckily clean. she swept into the shop
with her usual graceful, languid air.
l bought my coat and selected some
lace. and went on to -. where |
chose a few modest and one or two
more expensive blouses, then we went
on to a third and last shop. While l
was choosing some ribbon in the multi
colored ribbon department, Mrs. We're
ker said to me:
Il am just going to the haudker
chiefs | will join you in the fur de-
partment-you are going there?'
Yes, l shan't be long
Nor t. she answered.; Il am very
tired" had finished my purchases
when she came back.
Are you ready : am feeling SO
faint. DO you mind hurrying?'
I'm Just ready" | said, this very
moment" and | put my hand in my
muf to get my purse. There was no
purse there, and | gave a cry Of dis
may. Mrs Nereker.-my purse!-it's
gone.-and had f25 in it. | had it Il
moment ago-l must have put it down
in the ribbon department."
Let me pay" she began-but In
terrupted her
Nonsense, it can't be really gone
and almost ran to the ribbon depaprt-
ment
found the shopwalker and the as
sistant-but no one had seen it. and
baskets of ribbon were hastily search
ed without result.
1T is very dangerous to lay your
purse down in a crowd" said the shop
walker. who knew me we'll; Its only
a wonder. madam. you didn't lose your
muff as we'll
| went back disconsolate to the fur
department.
II am so awfully sorry to have kept
YOU" | began. trying not to show my
vexation more than could help. Are
you better?"
She nodded and rose with haste.
Yes. but let's go, If you don't mind.
You can come back again and make
inquiries. II doesn't matter about your
purse. | have heaps of things and bits
of fur | do not want"
Nonsense" | said. las though
should take yours"
but. my dear child. | have so many,
and surely married woman can help
Will turn up
| Pardon me. madam.
A grave looking man in frock coat
slid past me and laid his hand firmly
on Mrs. Verekers arm at the moment
she was stepping into my motor.
What is IT? This lady has left all
information about her purse" She
moved her arm haughtily
The mans face grew graver.
perhaps you will kindly come back
with me. It's you we want. II you
please. madam"
! There was faint sheer on the word
madam" and Mrs. Nereker's face
blanched.
What do you mean:' she stammer-
ed "How dare you? Cannot you see
| am Ill and wish to go home at once?"
| sprang TO her side. Never mind
about the wretched purse I said to
the man. This lady is not well, let
her go home. and l will come back
ABOUT lue purse.
The man took no notice Of me but
bending TO Mrs Vereker said some
thing that made her step suddenly
back and stand by his side. Then, to
my utter amazement, shaking obvious
ly from head to foot and without even
looking at me- she turned into the store
and followed in bewidered dismay.
fnx,- L..
a private room and two female search
ers had taken the heavy coat. far heav-
Ter now with the lace and furs and
flowers and blouses that were marvel
ously fastened in its ample folds Un-
der her cloak and attached to her waist
by firm hooks hung several furs and
many pieces of costly lace.
Mrs. Nereker. white as death show
cd no sign OF what she must be feel
ing, but looked in front of her with
dazed, set face, while l slipped outside
to the waiting man. He was talking
to another shopwalker. who, luckily,
knew me well.
What Is IT." I asked as she
thief:'-a silly question he answered
at once.
"One OF the worst shoplifters in Lon
don" he said laconically, land vet
we've never been able to catch her.
Her husband is doing six months now
for the very same thing She knew
You were known here. madam, and
brought you to shield her"
But how did You find her out to-
day" asked. aghast, land what did
you see her take"
something that belongs to you" he
said as he gravely handed me my
purse. -LOndon Daily Mail.
Sure of Her.