But her daughter was imperative, and she gave way.
"It shall be mild enough in words," said Priscilla, "and very short." Then she wrote her letter as follows:-- Nuncombe Putney, August 1, 186--.
DEAR AUNT STANBURY, You have found a mare's nest.

The gentleman you speak of has never been here at all, and the people who bring you news have probably hoaxed you.

I don't think that mamma has ever disgraced the family, and you can have no reason for thinking that she ever will.

You should, at any rate, be sure of what you are saying before you make such cruel accusations.
Yours truly, PRISCILLA STANBURY.
P.S .-- Another gentleman did call here,--not to see Mrs.
Trevelyan; but I suppose mamma's house need not be closed against all visitors.
Poor Dorothy had passed evil hours from the moment in which her aunt had so far certified herself as to Colonel Osborne's visit to Nuncombe as to make her feel it to be incumbent on her to interfere.
After much consideration Miss Stanbury had told her niece the dreadful news, and had told also what she intended to do.

Dorothy, who was in truth horrified at the iniquity of the fact which was related, and who never dreamed of doubting the truth of her aunt's information, hardly knew how to interpose.