As well as I could understand, the postage had been insufficiently paid, and the customary double-rate was due.

The young lady searched in the pocket of her dress--a cry of alarm escaped her.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I have lost my purse, and the letter is so important!" It occurred to me immediately that she had had her pocket picked by some thief in the crowd.

The clerk thought so too.

He looked at the clock.
"You must be quick about it if you return for the letter," he said, "the office closes in ten minutes." She clasped her hands in despair.