I don't know what I did in the first place. I escape and steal because that stupid man screamed the moment he saw me. I hadn't done nowt but almost drown in his puddle. I can't swim, you see, Sir.

[A few cherries join the strawberries in her pockets]

I wouldn't have had to escape if they had told me why I were jailed and given me a sentence. In Paris, they say a year, and then six months, but after two, I insist I am only fourteen and they let me out. They are stupid though. I wouldn't have lied to these guards for fourteen. but you see what I mean? In Paris, we kidnapped a man and robbed him. Here, nothing. It's not fair, I think.

[She leans back, thinking carefully.] I want to know why you're being nice? Why aren't you threatening chains and whippings? Why will you help us and not your stupid king?

[She pauses.] That Julie, though. You need to be careful, Sir. She needs to be in a mad house, never mind prison, Sir. Can you not send her back?