e prison reform which she desired to see carried out was
destined to cover, and indeed, required a larger area than she could
obtain. But the fame of her improvements at Newgate, the tales of lions
being turned into lambs, and sinners into saints, by the exertions of
this woman and her band of helpers, caught the ear and thrilled the
heart of the public. The excitement produced among the community
deepened and intensified as more of the work became revealed.
Representatives of every class in society visited the gloomy precincts
of Newgate, in order to see and hear for themselves how far these
wonders extended, while at every hospital and fashionable board the
theme was ever the same. At one time Mrs. Fry was at Newgate in company
with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other celebrities; while at
another time she appeared at the Mansion House, honored by royalty, the
"observed of all observers." The Queen of England, among others, was
anxious to see and converse with the woman who had with such quiet power
succeeded in solving a great social problem, and that where municipal
authorities had failed.

Mrs. Fry, although belonging to that religious community which takes not
off the hat to royalty, possessed loyal feelings. Therefore, when Queen
Charlotte commanded her to appear at the Mansion House, in order to be
formerly presented to her, with true womanly grace and respect she
hastened to obey. It was intended that the presentation should have
taken place in the drawing-room, but by some mistake Mrs. Fry was
conducted to the Egyptian Hall, where a number of school-children were
waiting to be examined. Mrs. Fry occupied a post near the platform; and
after a little time the Queen, now aged and infirm, perceived her. As
soon as the examination of the children was over she advanced to Mrs.
Fry. Her Majesty's small figure, her dress blazing with diamonds, her
courtesy and kindness as she spoke to the now celebrated Quakeress, who
stood outwardly calm in the costume of her creed, and just a little
flushed with the unwonted excitement, attracted universal homage.
Around stood several bishops, peers, and peeresses; the hall was filled
with spectators, while outside the crowd surged and swayed as crowds are
wont to do. For a few moments the two women spoke together; then the
strict rules of etiquette were overcome by the enthusiasm of the
assembly and a murmur of applause, followed by a ringing English cheer,
went up. This chee