I came down purposely to persuade your ladyship to do this.

I am well aware that at first sight it seems contrary to all one's notions of truth and honor, but there is so much at stake.

My denial, couched in strong terms, will appear tomorrow.

If it were succeeded by a letter from your ladyship, written in the same strain, people would laugh and believe that it was a great mistake.

I had so many inquiries this morning before I left London, and I gave the same answer to all, that it was the sorry jest of an evil-disposed person.