“Oh, I must.  It is too late to recede.  Nellie will imagine it worse, if possible, than it really is.  But I’ll not prolong your agony.  I’ll be as brief as possible,” said Fannie.

And amidst the cries of “Don’t! don’t!” and “Yes, do, do!” Fannie began.

“The day I reached here, just as I came out of the depot, I spied my beloved and respected cousin Fred entering the street car.  I hurried up, and got in immediately after him.  Even if my veil had been raised I could hardly have expected him to know me, as I have changed much in five years.  As it was, my face was completely hidden.  The car was much crowded, many standing—­I next behind Fred. I was well laden with lots of little packages, so the idea struck me to drop a few into Fred’s overcoat pockets.  Without discovery I put what I washed into one, and was about slipping my porte-monnaie into the other, when my hand was caught with such a grip that I screamed right out.  At the same time Fred exclaimed, ‘Here is a pickpocket!’ And of course there was a policeman there, as none was needed.  I was too frightened to speak for an instant.  At length I found voice enough to say to the officer, who was making his way toward me, ’The gentleman will find he is mistaken in a moment.’

“After the first fright, I was really amused, notwithstanding the mortifying situation.  By that time Fred had drawn forth my porte-monnaie.  Nodding to the policeman, he said: 

“’An old dodge.  Putting into my pocket what she has taken from some one else.  Has any one here lost this?’ he asked, holding up my porte-monnaie.

“No one claimed it.  I managed to get off my veil then, that I had been tugging at.  I had gotten a lady in the depot to tie it tightly behind, as it was blowing a perfect gale when I arrived.  All eyes were on me then, of course.  And the officer, not recognizing an old offender, and not a very guilty-looking young one, hesitated.  I looked eagerly at Fred, to see if he would not recognize me, but he did not.  There was a very embarrassing pause then, that had to be ended; so I said, not trying to restrain my smiles: 

“’If you will open that porte-monnaie, Mr. Loring, you will see my card.  I thought my acquaintance would justify my loading you with some of my bundles.  If you will notice, your other pocket is full.’

“Every one waited eagerly the result.  Quickly Fred did my bidding.  You may imagine his look, when he exclaimed: 

“’Fannie Loring!  Bless my soul, coz, can you ever forgive me?  But how could I know you?  I’ve not seen you since you were a child.’

“There was a shout of laughter heard then, in which Fred and I joined.  But Fred’s was not a very hearty laugh; and I think he was glad to get out of that car, for he made me walk at least three times as far as ever you and I walk when we leave the car.”

Nellie was almost convulsed with laughter, which baby seemed to enjoy very much.  And Fred exclaimed: