ister resided, and acquaint her with the whole story,
requesting her to come and superintend his domestic concerns. A few
days afterwards he received the following reply:--

"_Bath, August_.

"My dear Brother Antony,

"Your letter arrived safe to hand on Wednesday last, and I must say
that I was not a little surprised at its contents; indeed, I thought
so much about it that I revoked at Lady Betty Blabkin's whist-party,
and lost four shillings and sixpence. You say that you have a child
at your house belonging to your cousin, who married in so indecorous a
manner. I hope what you say is true; but, at the same time, I know
what bachelors are guilty of; although, as Lady Betty says, it is
better never to talk or even to hint about these improper things. I
cannot imagine why men should consider themselves, in an unmarried
state, as absolved from that purity which maidens are so careful to
preserve; and so says Lady Betty, with whom I had a little
conversation on the subject. As, however, the thing is done, she
agrees with me that it is better to hush it up as well as we can.

"I presume that you do not intend to make the child your heir, which I
should consider as highly improper; and, indeed, Lady Betty tells me
that the legacy-duty is ten per cent, and that it cannot be avoided.
However, I make it a rule never to talk about these sort of things.
As for your request that I will come up and superintend your
establishment, I have advised with Lady Betty on the subject, and she
agrees with me that, for the honour of the family, it is better that I
should come, as it will save appearances. You are in a peck of
troubles, as most men are who are free-livers and are led astray by
artful and alluring females. However, as Lady Betty says, `the least
said, the soonest mended.'

"I will, therefore, make the necessary arrangements for letting my
house, and hope to join you in about ten days; sooner, I cannot, as I
find that my engagements extend to that period. Many questions have
already been put to me on this unpleasant subject; but I always give
but one answer, which is, that bachelors will be bachelors; and that,
at all events, it is not so bad as if you were a married man: for I
make it a rule never to talk about, or even to hint about, these sort
of things, for, as Lady Betty says, `Men will get into scrapes, and
the sooner things are hushed up t