Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-08-02

counter favored me with the peculiarly
insolent stare so much in vogue among
postoffice employees and yawned. Then
she drifted to the other end OF the
Office, held a leisurely conversation
with a young man and finally returned
bearing one letter.
left il on the counter while l
searched for sovereign.
And a postal order for twenty
snillings," | added.
She yawned again, turned her back,
and bent her head over an open drawer
in company with second young man.
Suddenly was aware that my neigh
Dor at the counter was taking an inter-
est in my proceedings. When | asked
for my letters she had raised her head
and now noticed, to my establishment.
that she was reading my name on the
envelope. Not that this in itself was
exactly matter for surprise. Many
people take an unaecountable interest
in the private affairs of strangers But
somehow, in this girl 1t amazed me;
she looked so undenlably lady.
| watched her unobtrusively till, in
due time my postal order arrived. AS
was about to pick 1t up one OF my
gloves dropped. | stopped to pick it
up and suddenly 1t occurred to me to
wonder whether my strange neighbor
was as much interested in my postal
order as in my name. She was! To my
utter establishment she looked at 1t, at
the crowded office where everyone was
intent on his own concerns, at the door
Then she drew it off the counter,
crumpled it together and thrust 1t into
the pocket OF her coat.
I was disappointed. So she was mere
ly one of the well-dressed thieves OF
whom one reads so much. For mo-
men. | was inclined to denounce her
then and there. | might possibly have
done It. but she didn't give me time.
Turning suddenly she almost ran to
the door
she must lie new to it," | decided
pityingly. and followed her Pity is an
admirable sentiment, but postal orders
are not without their uses and | saw
no reason why she should have mine.
So | followed her.
given me the slip. She had put up a
parasol, thing of lace and chiffons.
and the addition to her costume con-
fused me. But | was after her the next
instant wondering what should do.
Should | go up and accost her or
should wait till she stopped some
where?
All, that was her idea, was Il? An
omnibus crossed the road few yards
in front and she waved her parasoi.
But the driver shook his head: 1t was
full. She walked on slowly and
caught her up.
Excuse me-" | began, but may
ask"
| floundered and came to a full stop
as she turned and looked at me.
I'm afraid | haven't the pleasure"
she said, with a fairly successful imita.
ton of naughty surprise and turned
her shoulder to me walking on.
Her assurance exasperated me and
gave me voice. 20
Il think YOU have" returned.
rHave what?"
The pleasure of having conveyed 10
your pocket postal order belonging
to me-"
"Of course was-goiHg to return
the money to YOU" she said in low
voice.
] smiled: | really could not help 1t.
Thanks" | said ironically. Il should
prefer 1t now. Left-hand pocket"
She turned to me with dignity. 81
was looking for my pocket handker
chief" she said.
was getting annoyed. Very wen,
said severely: IF that postal orde,
hasn't been transferred from your
pocket to mine before we get to-
Fares please"
"St. Pancras," | said with meaning
and handed the man two pence.
She sought mechanically for he,
purse--in her left-hand pocket.
oh" she said with startled gasp
Whats the matter?" asked.
MY purse has gone" she cried.
| merely looked at her; could no
trust myself TO speak.
Don't you understand" she cried
"lt's gone gone-gone! So has my
purse"
"Really?' remarked: how curious.
She flushed crimson. You don't be
lieve me. oh, what can dor"
st. pancras," said. getting up;
please follow me-"
lead the way to the general waitins
room. BY good luck Il was empty.
Now" said, II you really wan
me to believe that that postal order ha.
gone, am afraid there is no other wa,
but letting me search your pockets.
Let YOU touch me?" She drew away
''Never"
Il have no desire to touch YOU"
said coldly You can take your coa'
of and put It on the table"
With disdainful grace she began e
unfasten the absurd little buttons. Il
was charming pale-grey coat and thS
lining was white silk.