"You have," rejoined Franklin, "but if you properly examine your conscience, and ask light of Him who knows the truth, you will hear the voice of God himself, warning you not to perform that duty prematurely, carelessly, or cruelly. I ask time. I offer references to prove that the person in question, from education, character, habits, opinions, religious principles, and her whole, pure and artless life, is not, and could not be intentionally guilty of the act in question. I request time to produce these references. My young companion took the lace in a moment of bewilderment--of absence of mind. She has just arrived in London--is dazzled and excited. If, sir, you have a sister, a daughter, a mother, a wife, picture her--after such a careless accident--grasped by a policeman, dragged through the streets, exposed to the eyes of the jesting crowd--the blackest construction put upon her action, shrinking before a magistrate, cast into prison, and, God knows what else!--and all because of an act, not in reality more inexplicable than that of a man who walks off with a hat not his own, or another person's umbrella--in a fit of forgetfulness." Jennings leaned over and whispered something to Mr. Blanchard. "It is quite probable," said Mr. Blanchard, "that you believe her innocent, but the various and glaring circumstances do not permit me to be of your opinion. The expressive flight, the intervening time, long enough to discover a mistake merely accidental--the bribe of £50--no--no--it is impossible," said he, rising, "I am sorry for you, sir, but this matter rests no longer with me. The prisoner must be removed."