This is what she has thought fit to write to you, mamma." Then Priscilla read her aunt's letter, which was as follows:-- The Close, Exeter, July 31, 186--.
DEAR SISTER STANBURY, I am informed that the lady who is living with you because she could not continue to live under the same roof with her lawful husband, has received a visit at your house from a gentleman who was named as her lover before she left her own.

I am given to understand that it was because of this gentleman's visits to her in London, and because she would not give up seeing him, that her husband would not live with her any longer.
"But the man has never been here at all," said Mrs.Stanbury, in dismay.
"Of course he has not been here.

But let me go on." I have got nothing to do with your visitors, [continued the letter] and I should not interfere but for the credit of the family.

There ought to be somebody to explain to you that much of the abominable disgrace of the whole proceeding will rest upon you, if you permit such goings on in your house.

I suppose it is your house.