uilty of; although, as Lady Betty says, it is better never to talk
or even to hint about these improper things. I cannot imagine why
men should consider themselves, in an unmarried state, as absolved
from that purity which maidens are so careful to preserve; and so
says Lady Betty, with whom I had a little conversation on the
subject. As, however, the thing is done, she agrees with me that it
is better to hush it up as well as we can.

'I presume that you do not intend to make the child your heir,
which I should consider as highly improper; and, indeed, Lady
Betty tells me that the legacy-duty is ten per cent., and that it
cannot be avoided. However, I make it a rule never to talk about
these sort of things. As for your request that I will come up and
superintend your establishment, I have advised with Lady Betty on
the subject, and she agrees with me that, for the honour of the
family, it is better that I should come, as it will save
appearances. You are in a peck of troubles, as most men are who are
free-livers, and are led astray by artful and alluring females.
However, as Lady Betty says, "the least said, the soonest mended."

'I will, therefore, make the necessary arrangements for letting my
house, and hope to join you in about ten days; sooner, I cannot, as
I find that my engagements extend to that period. Many questions
have already been put to me on this unpleasant subject; but I
always give but one answer, which is, that bachelors will be
bachelors! and that, at all events, it is not so bad as if you were
a married man: for I make it a rule never to talk about, or even to
hint about these sort of things, for, as Lady Betty says, "Men will
get into scrapes, and the sooner things are hushed up the better."
So no more at present from your affectionate sister,

'MARGARET WITHERINGTON.

'_P.S._--Lady Betty and I both agree that you are very right in
hiring two black people to bring the child into your house, as it
makes the thing look _foreign_ to the neighbours, and we can keep
our own secrets.

M. W.'

'Now, by all the sins of the Witheringtons, if this is not enough to
drive a man out of his senses! Confound the suspicious old maid! I'll
not l