Evening star., 1897-02-02
THE JUDGE BELIEVED HER,
Lilly DickfnsOn Not Sent Down, but
Turned Over to Mrs. La Fetra.

Lilly Dickinson Not Sent Down, but
Turned Over to Mrs. La Fetra.
unquestionably the prettiest, daintiest,
most refined-looking and well-dressed little
woman that ever suffered the misfortune of
falling into the tolls of justice appeared in
the dock of the Police Court today She
was petite, with hair of Titan hue, we'll
educated and demure in manner. On her
face was far-away expression of sadness.
and she seemed strikingiy outi6f place, par
tcularly as she was the only woman among
the collection of male drunk and disorder
lies and vagrants that fgraeed the dock.
Yet vagrancy was the charge against this
fair creature, the informatiof1 placing her
on a par with the lowest of gpile low, from
whom she shrank noticeably as though
with horror. Her tones, her expression and
conduct on the stand indicated that this
woman differed most decidedly from the
usual run of evil women brought before
the court, and her statements were such
that she won the sympathy of all in the
room instantaneously. --D sd
The girl responded when the clerk called
Lilly Dickinson. The usual vagrancy in
formation was read to Sher charging that
she was a suspicious person of evil life and
fame. and in reply she said sadly: Pm not
a vagrant.'' .'-r,s-' .,..- .4, ..-. p
Policeman Carlson. appeared as prosecut-
ing witness. This girl has been residing in
the Division for several months past" he
toxicated condition. AS her reputation is
that of a prostitute, l charged her with
vagrancy." ...u
Tell me your story" directed the court.
The girl bowed her head when she took
the stand. as though ashamed to permit
her face to be seen. THE officer is mis-
taken when he says was intoxicated she
stated, quietly, and with well-chosen words.
Il assure you, sir, / have never known
what it is to be drunk; never in my life
have 1 been in that condition. l have been
i'll, sir, and am sick at this moment, very
sick, indeed"
How long have you been leading this
sort of life?" asked the court, kindly.
Not quite three months, SIR was the
subdued, but frank answer.
Where Is your homer
"In Norfolk, SIR"
Have you any relatives. father and
mother?' Judge Kimball then wanted to
know.
my father is dead" said Lilly. 81 have
a mother, though, and a good home,' and
the girls eyes filled with tears. 1T would
break my mothers heart if she knew where
l am
Haven't you seen her for three months?
| inquired the court.
.'Oh, yes, sir; l was with her only a week
ago."
And she is ignorant Of your occupation?
''Yes, SIR"
| What do you propose doing?" then said
| the court. DO you want me to send you
| to the workhouse?
'Oh. no, sir, was the answer, IN voice
| full of pathos. II have had all want OF
this life. I want to go back to my home ,
II think you mean what you say" ther
| said the court. Il certainly shall not pre-
vent you from beginning life anew. Take 6
| seat for a few minutes.'
| The court sent for Mrs. 8. D. La Fetra
| who soon arrived. She had long talk with
the girl, and reported that the latter hat
| cheerfully agreed to go to the Florenct
| CrittentOn home. She is to remain there
| for few days and then return to her home
| in Norfolk.
| After few words of advice from judge
! Kimball, the girl expressed her thanks ant
left with Mrs. La Fetra for the home.