She saw him put only the black lace into the parcel, she is sure of
this, she was looking at him.
Mrs. Perrott, being called on for her defence, then spoke.
_“As my counsel are not permitted to make any observation on my
case, I will say a few words myself. Placed in a situation the most
affluent with a supply so ample, that I was left rich, after every
wish was gratified, blessed with the affections of the most generous
of husbands, what inducement could I have to commit such a crime?
depraved indeed must that mind be, that under such circumstances could
be capable of it; you will hear from my noble and truly respectable
friends, what has been my conduct and character for many years;
you will hear what has been and still is their opinion of me, can
you suppose that disposition so totally altered, as to lose all
recollection of the situation held in society, to hazard for this
meanness, my welfare and reputation, or to endanger the health and
peace of a husband I would die for; you have heard their evidence
against me, I shall make no comments upon it, I shall leave that task
where I am confident it will be exercised with justice & mercy, I
know my own oath is inadmissable, but I call that God, whom we all
acknowledge and adore, to attest that I am innocent, and may he or you
punish me, as I speak truth or false in denying it, call that God to
witness, that I did not know I had that lace in my possession, nor did
I know it, when Miss Gregory accosted me in the Street; I have nothing
more to say.”_