In a prison under proper regulation, where they had very little communication with their friends, where they were sufficiently well fed and clothed, constantly employed and instructed, and taken care of by women, I have not the least doubt that wonders would be performed, and that many of those, now the most profligate and worst of characters, would turn out valuable members of society.  After having said what I have respecting the care of women, I will just add that I believe that if there were a prison fitted up for us, which we might visit as inspectors, if employment were found for our women, little or no communication with the city, and room given to class them, with female servants only, if there were a thousand of the most unruly women they would be in excellent order in one week; of that I have not the least doubt.”

The natural consequence of this evidence was increased publicity and increased usefulness; the first to Mrs. Fry’s sorrow, and the second to her great joy.  Much as she desired to work in secret, it was not possible; nor, all things considered, was it for the best that she should do so.  The 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