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.”
JOHN CROUT, EXAMINED BY MR. BOND.
Knows Filby & his brother, he has more than once or twice done business at Crout’s house, supposes he was a haberdasher.
CROSS EXAMINED, BY MR. GIBBS.
Has seen him, and had dealings with him, since 1793, Charles Filby might not have been more than once or twice.
MISS BLAGRAVE, EXAMINED BY MR. DALLAS.
Was at Bath in August last, in September went to Gregory’s shop to buy a veil, the 19th. of September, she bought the veil from Filby, she went home, and on opening the parcel, she found two in the said parcel, next day she went to the shop to return the veil, she asked him if he recollected she bought the veil the day before, he said yes, she told him he had put up two, he said he was obliged to her, but he had not missed it.