Kleptomania.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2, 10 July 1912, Page 63

Kleptomania.

Much is heard of kleptomania, but a genuine case is rare. Possibly an instance recorded possesses elements which mar be considered as convincing. A servant girl Jivas caught stealing bottles of champagne and port. When taxed with her guilt she broke down completely, and confessed that she began to tipple in her last place, and earnestly pleaded for Smother chance. Before the month’s probation was up a bottle of methylated Spirit disappeared. Again there was a confession, and the servant said that all ihe empty bottles were hidden in the bottom of her trunk. To the doctor who was called in there seemed to be nothing for it but to recommend immediate disauissal. At the last moment,-however, and by the merest chance, another explanation suggested itself—kleptomania. Proof of fhe assertion was demanded in the shape t>f the empty bottles. Instantly all confrition and humility disappeared. Then She astounding truth was revealed. In he box were no fewer than eleven bottles, ihe contents of which were in each case absolutely intact. Along with them were & man’s waistcoat, recognised as having been stolen from a recent visitor, a razorfotrop, a faded blue" table-centre, an old linen pettieoat. the property of the mistress of the house, and several equally absurd and valueless articles. Now, it must be obvious that this collection was Hot made with a view to subsequent sale, (seeing that valuable jewellery and silverplate could have been obtained with just Sis Tittle, indeed with considerably less, trouble. —“Knowledge.”