The discussion is thus elegantly introduced:-- Hogg.--'Reach me the black bottle.

I say, Christopher, what, after all, is your opinion o' Lord and Leddy Byron's quarrel?
Do you yoursel' take part with him, or with her?
I wad like to hear your real opinion.' North.--'Oh, dear! Well, Hogg, since you will have it, I think Douglas Kinnard and Hobhouse are bound to tell us whether there be any truth, and how much, in this story about the _declaration_, signed by Sir Ralph' [Milbanke].
The note here tells us that this refers to a statement that appeared in 'Blackwood' immediately after Byron's death, to the effect that, previous to the formal separation from his wife, Byron required and obtained from Sir Ralph Milbanke, Lady Byron's father, a statement to the effect that Lady Byron had no charge of moral delinquency to bring against him.

{61} North continues:-- 'And I think Lady Byron's letter--the "Dearest Duck" one I mean--should really be forthcoming, if her ladyship's friends wish to stand fair before the public.

At present we have nothing but loose talk of society to go upon; and certainly, _if the things that are said be true, there must be thorough explanation from some quarter, or the tide will continue, as it has assuredly begun, to flow in a direction very opposite to what we were for years accustomed_.

Sir, they must _explain this business of the letter_.