The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1907-06-11

The car moved on, but everyone
was stretching his neck TO get last
glimpse of the young criminal, and
one or two, more curious than the
rest. alighted and drew near.
The woman told her story and the
officer took charge OF Annabel. The
girls only idea then was to hide her
face from the curious passers-by.
Think of the disgrace OF 1t ALL
Marched along the streets In broad
daylight In the custody of an officer
with painting. angry accuser behind
her.
Luckily, the station house was
near, but as they drew near the door
way a young man approached the
little group. passed and stood there
with look of incredulous horror on
his face.
"Annabell"
She looked up with gasping cry
of "Linwell," and would have fallen
but for the officers extended arm.
Linwell Hoyt followed them into
the station house.
Here's a girl caught picking pock-
cts" said the officer to the stern
faced man behind the desk.
Linwell Hoyt sprang forward
eagerly. TITS mistakei" he said, in
clear, indignant tones. IT know this
young girl we'll"
He was waved aside while the stout
woman made her complaint. Then
Annabel, who was pale and trembling,
was allowed to tell her story.
In low tones and with fearful eyes
she made her explanations, showing
her misplaced pocket in evidence.
She had only tried to get her hand
kerchief, and her awkward left hand
her neighbours dress.
Mrs. Mallock was sent for, and the
affair was speedily settled to the sat-
isfaction Of all but the stout woman,
who went away declaring that the
left-handed pocket was only a trick.
LinWell Hoyt observed the color
less face and shabby dress of the girl
who had preferred life alone I'm the
city to life I'm Greenfield with him.
His heart was moved with pity,
and when Mrs. Mallock urged him
to accompany them home, he reluct-
antly assented.
Once in her apartments, the worthy
woman found some excuse for leav-
ing the young people alone.
"Annabel," said Linwell, ''the city's
a hard place for poor young girl"
That's just what Mrs. Mallock
said," answered Annabel. "She's the
only friend I've got"
mo, I'm your friend" said the
happy. Annabel. Don't you like 1t
here?"
Something impelled Annabel to
speak the truth. She raised her clear
blue eyes to his face.
81 hate it," she said, passionately.
81 don't care If you do know it, Lin
well, and you may exult If you
like
"Annabel, Annabel, would 1 exult
over your disappointment and mis-
fortune? Why, poor little girl, my
heart went out to you to-day when 1
saw you In that awful plight. wish
you'd come back to me-"
Annabel looked up with brighten
ing eyes, then her lids fell
You dont!" she answered.
You're sorry for me, that's all. You
can't forgive me-"
But do. love you yet. l think
you care-you will come back, Anna
bel. dear little girl?"
His arm stole around her waist
and, unresisting, Annabel allowed
him to press her head upon his shout
der and kiss her lips.
'Linwell, am so sorry" she muir
INJURED. but we must never let any
one know how we met"
mo; but If you had not got into
that plight 1 might never have seen
you. I do not come to the city once
a year"
"And II I'd had to live here alone
another year In this mean, cruel city,
1 should have died" replied Annabel.
"Oh. shall be so happy to get back
to Greenfield"
An hour later, when her lover had
gone, Mrs. Mallock hustled into the
room with needle and thread.
give me that skirt, Annabel," she
said. "I'll fix that pocket this night
before / sleep"
But Annabel laughingly waved her
back.
Don't touch It," she cried, gay1y.
IT wouldn't have that pocket changed
for anything-no indeedl Good
night, Mrs Mallock. Ella Randall
Pearce, in Journal OF Agriculture.