rried the lace away
from mere carelessness. Here is all the money I have about me. Take it
for yourself, only let us go. My daughter, I assure you, is utterly
incapable of stealing. You don't know her. As for the lace, I am
willing to pay for it. My name is Mrs. Clifford. I live No. ----
Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square. My dear, kind, good sir, turn the
carriage and let us go home. My husband was Captain Clifford, of the
American navy. Do you think we would be guilty of stealing? I will
give you any money you desire. I will give you L50--only let us go."

"If your husband was Admiral Nelson himself," replied the man, with
dignity, "I could not let you go now--not if you were to give me L500.
I have only to do my duty. It's a very painful one--but it must be
done. I aint a judge. I'm a policeman; and my business is to deliver
you safe into the hands of Blake, Blanchard & Co."

To describe the whirl of thoughts which swept through the mind of
Franklin during the interval would be impossible. He saw that a simple
act of carelessness had been committed by Caroline; but he was enough
of a lawyer to perceive that the proof against her was singularly
striking and unanswerable--and he knew the world too well, not to feel
extraordinary alarm at the possible consequences. In London, alone,
without friends or acquaintances, a glance into the future almost
drove him to distraction. At moments he was half mastered by the
impulse to bear Caroline away, by a sudden _coup de main_; but his
hand was held by the reflection, that even were such a wild scheme
possible, success would be no means of security, inasmuch as Mrs.
Clifford had given her address; while the attempt would exasperate the
other party, appear but a new evidence of guilt, and in every way
enhance the danger of their position.

As they approached the fatal shop, a large crowd had collected around
the door. Franklin felt that he was in one of those crises on which
hang human destiny and life, and that he had need of more prudence and
wisdom than man can possess, except it be given him from above. Deep,
therefore, and trusting, was his silent prayer to Him who hath said,
"_Be strong and of a good courage. I will not fail thee, nor forsake
thee._"

Caroline appeared ready to sink into the earth when the carriage
stopped.

"My dearest Miss Clifford," said Franklin, "these men have fallen into
a bungling error, and it will require some prudence on our part to
make t