The Prescott daily news., 1907-08-14
THE LUNACY OF
 SIMON LANE
By JOHN V. MULANEY.

If was busy uay III tho uop"i .ioh'
 -. of Marburg & Go. Simon Lane.
 'aa clerk of the fur department, was
 .n more than usually officious.
 rho occasion for Simon's especial
 oa nature was a new and lavish GUS
 nr She was a handsome, richly
 .oo.ed woman of about 30 years, with
 frank. pleasant smile and a very
 ,oaaing air of condescension, which
 .de Simon more than usually servile 1 his attentions. She appeared much
 +orssted in the display of selected
 rs There was subtle fattery in ko manner in which she sought
 Bmons opinion on the various goods.
 rt her own remarks showed her to
 . connoisseur. After much delib-
 r.uon she selected some handsome
 .ol skins, with careless indifference
 their price, and set of sables, the
 ride of the Marburg fur display. She
 ays q little sigh of weariness as she
 Included her buying and unclasped
 Ter purse.
 q should like greatly to take my
 urchases with me-" she said, Il wish
 ! have the furs for this evening. If
 won't trouble you too much, will
 ou have them packed at once and l hall take them in my carriage. What ! the amount?" She took roll of
 fills from her purse and counted them 'lowly
 Eleven hundred dollars. ma'am,"
 hid Simon, after a somewhat lengthy $alculation.
 l A faint flush had begun to color the Romans features. She uttered slight Sut startled exclamation. 'I must con- ess that have exceeded by purse" | he said, blushingly. T haven't that mount with me. However, l must lave those furs-and I can't wait until tomorrow. May I speak with your kmployer a moment?" she asked hesi- |atingly, blushing a deep crimson from Embarrassment. T think I see way but of the difficulty
 Simon led the way to the grated Findow of old Marburg's office and briefly related the situation.
 You would greatly oblige me" the koman hastened to conclude, If you kould allow your clerk here to accom- pany me to my husbands office. My tarriage is waiting outside. l shall procure a check for my purchase, Ehich l shall return to you through >our clerk You will do me a great pervice," she added, and besides you Till release me from a very embar- Passing situation"
 On the shrewd countenance of old Harburg a frown gathered for mo- nent, frown of distrust; then. at the Thought of losing a new and evidently wealthy customer his face cleared. No favor whatever, madam; MT. Lane here shall accompany you and return with the check" And old Mar Purg turned again to his desk. A carriage awaited them at the furb. Simon followed, sat down oppo. Bite her, and the carriage rolled away. Simon was charmed by the engaging conversation of his companion. Still Exhibiting a slight air of reserve, as Pnight well become a society leader Thrown into such a delicate situation. Fhe conversed entertainingly on those Foplcs Of the day that might interest clerk. As they talked, the carriage was speeding along. out through the crowded streets of the business dis Frlct to the quiet of the suburbs Fimon was beginning to experience slight feeling of uneasiness, when me horses slowed down to walk and Pe lelt that their destination was near ht hand.
 nasty glance through the carriage E'hdow told him that they were on Ehe grounds of the Cheslea Private Pahltarium He immediately conclud- Ea that the woman opposite him was Eae Vile Of some official of the estab- [snment, He was more strongly in F,ehched in this belief when the car F,ase drew up at the main doorway rue woman arose and spoke with a [a'ishing smile. Wont you please P@p up into the waiting room while fee UT Cheslea? I'll be gone but Pust a moment"
 1'nion was only too happy to obey
 ua followed her into a cosy little raiuhs room. where she left him. "o attendants in uniforms were .unsing in the apartment and Simon r' XIV mat they wefe watching him "se'y' The woman was gone but o, 'e~ moments when she returned. e nad kerchief to her eyes and M. weeping. She stepped quickly to N. s'ae and, before he realized what Dn,., m, had done. she had kissed him i'm sSi'eiy on the forehead and rushed