We are apt to calumniate what we fear.

She was depicted under the features of a Messalina.

The most infamous pamphlets were in circulation; the most scandalous anecdotes were credited.

She may be accused of tenderness, but never of depravity.

Lovely, young, and adored, if her heart did not remain insensible, her innermost feelings, innocent perhaps, never gave just ground for open scandal.