will naturally seize their opportunity and propagate false reports,
and I therefore inform you that I shall require of you a document
which my solicitor will prepare, completely exonerating me. This
will be necessary for my protection. A Bank manager's reputation is
extremely sensitive, and a notorious infringement of any article of
the moral code would in many quarters cause his commercial honesty
to be suspected.

You allege that you are sincere, but I can hardly acquit you of
hypocrisy. Your sentimental excuse for deserting me is suspicious.

When the document just mentioned has been signed, I shall send a
copy of it to the rector of your parish. Without it he will know
nothing but what you and your mother tell him, and he will be in a
false position.

I hereby caution you that I shall not lose sight of you, and if at
any time proof of improper relationship should be obtained, I shall
take advantage of it.

CHARLES CRAGGS.


BLACKDEEP, 26th March 1839.

Dearest Mother,--This letter came this morning, and I send it at
once to you at Ely. Am I to answer it? When I read some parts I
wished he had been near me that I might have caught him by the
throat. I should have exulted that for once I could move him,
although it should be by terror. It is strange that not until now