the circumstances of the case into
consideration, the jury should see any reason to disbelieve the
witnesses for the prosecution, or which led them to doubt of the
prisoner's guilt, they should recollect the very excellent character
which had been given her, and in that case it ought to bear great weight
with them towards an acquittal. He also alluded to the conduct of the
accused after leaving the shop as not being that of a guilty person, and
commented on the ease with which she could have secreted the parcel
before it was discovered.

The jury evidently saw great reason to disbelieve the witnesses for the
prosecution, and, after only fifteen[105] minutes, returned a verdict of
'Not Guilty.'

The _Star_ tells us that 'the trial lasted seven hours, and the scene of
the acquittal was extremely affecting; the agitation and embraces of Mr.
and Mrs. Perrot may be more easily conceived than described. The Court
was crowded with elegantly dressed women.'

Throughout the long months over which the affair extended, the Leigh
Perrots had acted as persons convinced of the baselessness of the
charge, and determined to confront the accusers, and, as far as the
existing state of the law allowed, to establish the innocence of the
accused.

Among the quantity of congratulatory letters received by Mr. Leigh
Perrot, we must content ourselves with quoting the following from Mr. R.
L. Edgeworth:--

Edgeworthstown, Ireland: [April 7, 1800.]

MY DEAR SIR,--I do not think that I ever felt so
much astonishment or indignation as at the
abominable transaction which was related in the
_Star_ of March 31st.

Among my numerous friends and acquaintance, if
there was a couple whom I could have selected as
the farthest removed from being the objects of
such a villainous attack it would have been
yourselves! But I too well know, that neither
perfect innocence nor consummate prudence are
sufficient shields against conspiracy and folly,
and that bankrupt fortune and bankrupt character
prepare men for the most desperate attempts.

I trouble you, my Dear Sir, with a few lines to
express the deep sense that I have of regard and
esteem for you and the amiable partner of your
happiness; for so many as thirty-four years we
have been acquainted, and