She would not let the matter drop, without an attempt at the last word.

She therefore wrote back again as follows;-- Nuncombe Putney, August 4, 186--.
DEAR AUNT STANBURY, I am glad you have satisfied yourself about the gentleman who has so much disquieted you.

I do not know that the whole affair would be worth a moment's consideration, were it not that mamma and I, living as we do so secluded a life, are peculiarly apt to feel any attack upon our good name,--which is pretty nearly all that is left to us.

If ever there were women who should be free from attack, at any rate from those of their own family, we are such women.

We never interfere with you, or with anybody; and I think you might abstain from harassing us by accusations.
Pray do not write to mamma in such a strain again, unless you are quite sure of your ground.
Yours truly, PRISCILLA STANBURY.
"Impudent!" said Miss Stanbury to Martha, when she had read the letter.