circle
around, like prisoners at a bar before their judge, "what have you to
say with regard to the atrocious act of felony--"

"One moment, sir," said Franklin. "You will have the kindness to order
chairs for those ladies."

Mr. Jennings paused, fixed a surprised glance at the speaker, and
obeyed.

"Well then, _now_--" demanded he.

"I beg your pardon!" again interrupted Franklin, "permit me, in your
own interest, to make another suggestion. Before you proceed in this
examination, I warn you, with all deference to the sincerity of your
present error, that you have before you two ladies of respectability,
and unblemished reputation, and who are entirely innocent in this
matter."

"Bah!" ejaculated Mr. Jennings.

"Silence, sir," cried Franklin, with an indignation irrepressible.
"You have dragged before you through the streets of London, a young
and innocent girl, like a criminal. If circumstances seem for a moment
to give you the right, humanity, as well as decency requires, at least
till the question of her guilt be settled, that you address her with
respect, and hear her defence with candor and attention."

Mr. Jennings turned pale, swallowed his rage, and replied: "Speak,
sir! speak, sir! I am all candor and attention."

"I beg your pardon," resumed Franklin, "if I have answered with too
much asperity. But this young lady is perfectly innocent. She has high
friends. You will consider her under the protection of the American
Ambassador at this Court! State to me, if you please, your reasons for
dragging her before you in the custody of policemen."

Awed by Franklin's tone, but rather infuriated than melted, Mr.
Jennings answered with sarcastic politeness--

"Certainly, sir, your request is a just one. The case is this. The
young lady came to my shop this morning, and had brought out for her
examination the most expensive lace, of which, however, she purchased
none, but, instead, expended ten shillings for some narrow edging. I
must inform you that persons in the dress of ladies, and even persons
in the rank of ladies, have more than once committed thefts of this
kind, and I have ordered one of the young men to watch. This
individual saw in a mirror the young lady, as she was about to leave,
seize a parcel of lace, and carry it out under cover of her
pocket-handkerchief. We sent directly for policemen--but so rapid was
the flight of the party, including yourself, that it was not without
considerable diffi