Norwich bulletin., 1910-12-03
CUSTOMERS AND CLERKS

her acquaintances. "Mollie Harrison, how glad l am to see you! Did you get that lovely hat here? I am out on the same errand, but I've not found one yet. I never get anything here, anyway. They hare the most dis agreeable set of clerks I ever saw. I just said so to that girl over there and she said, There's a difference in customers, too Did you ever hear anything so impudent""
 Why" replied Mollie q think them very nice here. It is my favorite store," and the two separated, Mollie intent on her Christmas purchases, her friend going out to find a store more to her liking.
 As MoIlie was leaving the store, having finished her purchases, her at tention was arrested by the happy face of young girl presiding over an attractively. arranged display of laces and trimmings. What lovely things you have here" said she to the girl. You must take pleasure in handling them" Yes" responded the clerk; the 1aces are prettier than ever this season. Isn't that piece beautiful? :? I'd like it myself. I know just what of the firm, passed by just then, and he overheard the remark. He glanced at the girl thinking, Tt must be a temptation, sometimes. I wonder we do not lose more than we do. The girls must be watched more sharply I'll speak to Mir. Matthewson, the floor walker, about it.' During the day that very piece of lace disappear ed and Ethel Dearing, the clerk, was obliged to report 1t missing. day or two later a fine piece of trimming van ished. Ethel began to worry, though she knew herself to be blameless. A third time she had to report a loss from her counter, and MT. Morton told her that in future she would be held responsible for such occurrences. Something led her to feel that he sus- pected her, and she felt the injustice keenly Matthewson was sure of her innocence. He determined to find the guilty one. Watch your customers" said he to Ethel, and the time when the goods disappear" She observed came to her counter and seldom bought anything, although she admir- ed many things She always carried a large huff, but Ethel could not de- tect her secreting anything in it. Matthewson suspected the same per- large mirror which reflected Ethel s counter. He watched the mirror, and his vigilance was rewarded. for one day he saw a piece of lace drawn into the bottom of the huff. On her way from the store the lady was detained and confronted with the evidence of her theft and threatened with arrest. Overwhelmed with shame and fear, she admitted her guilt and showed them her huff with It's arrangement for concealirg goods through an open ing in the bottom; she restored the goods and begged for mercy and was allowed to go free. Ethel was over ioyed at the proof of her own inno- cence. "T1i never complain again of being tired or discouraged" said she. Tt is trying to stand all day and work over-h hours as we have to do at this sea son, but nothing ever occurred that troubled me so much as this. But I couldn't help being sorry for the poor woman, and am glad they did not arrest her"
 Well" replied her neighboring clerk, You are more forgivi- ing than I. We have enough to bear without being imposed upon in that way. I mean to keep sharp lookout on my customers after this. But you cannot tell by their looks. She looked a lady instead of a thief" Well, I am so happy" responded Ethel, T think nothing will disturb me now. and I am sure Christmas will mean more to me than ever"
 AN IDLER.