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A SERVANT'S THEFT
"Is it true that I must go away? Then what will become of me? Here I was fed, clothed and everything. Could you not tell the good gentleman that it is better for me to stay where I am?"
Gently but firmly the governor showed her that she could not refuse the mercy shown her; then he informed her that on her departure she would receive a certain sum, ten or twelve francs.
She went out weeping.
I inquired what she had done.
He turned over a register.
"503. She was servant in a farmhouse.… She stole a petticoat from her mistress.… A theft committed by a servant.… On such offences, you must know, the law is very severe."
