He was quite sure of it, from a peculiarity in the embroidery
which made the handkerchief especially noticeable. I was poorly
dressed, and I was close to the handkerchiefs. After one look at
me he shouted to the superintendent: 'Shut the door! There is a
thief in the shop!'
"The door was closed; the lost handkerchief was vainly sought for
on the counter and on the floor. A robbery had been committed;
and I was accused of being the thief.
"I will say nothing of what I felt--I will only tell you what
happened.
"I was searched, and the handkerchief was discovered on me. The
woman who had stood next to me, on finding herself threatened
with discovery, had no doubt contrived to slip the stolen
handkerchief into my pocket. Only an accomplished thief could
have escaped detection in that way without my knowledge. It was
useless, in the face of the facts, to declare my innocence. I had
no character to appeal to. My friend tried to speak for me; but
what was she? Only a lost woman like myself. My landlady's
evidence in favor of my honesty produced no effect; it was
against her that she let lodgings to people in my position. I was
prosecuted, and found guilty.
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