I should have written sooner, but that I was anxious to write you on another and less pleasant subject, which I felt should not be done hurriedly.

You will, I dare say, blame me for not having told you earlier what I now feel it my duty to tell, and I trust you will understand the feelings which have prevented my doing so.

John Jeffreys, who is in Mr Rimbolt's employment, is, as you know, an old schoolfellow of mine.

I was surprised to see him at Wildtree last Christmas, and took the trouble to inquire whether he had come to you with a character, or whether you had any knowledge of his antecedents.
I imagined you had not, and supposed that, as he was only engaged as a librarian, inquiries as to his character were not considered necessary.
But when I saw that he was being admitted as a member of your household, and specially allowed to exercise an influence on Percy, I assure you I felt uncomfortable, and it has been on my mind ever since to tell you what I feel you ought to know.

Jeffreys ran away from school after committing a cruel act which, to all intents and purposes, was murder.
His victim was a small boy whom we all loved, and who never did him harm.