UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 161 



I told him that it had not been confided to me. 



" How so did not Edward tell it you ? How 

 was that, Mr. P. ? " 



" I did not like to give my wife the pain of 

 knowing that you could have thought so unkindly 

 of her ; and as I had no hesitation in regard to 

 my decision, it was not necessary to suggest to 

 her such a cruel idea." 



"It was very generous forbearance on your 

 part," said he, " for you left me full of indigna- 

 tion. I will tell you myself, Mrs. P. I have 

 lately inherited an estate in Jamaica ; I am unable 

 to take possession of it in person, and I proposed 

 that Edward should go as my representative, and 

 manage it for me, as long as his affairs are re- 

 covering here. But I made it a positive condi- 

 tion, that he should give you over to your parents' 

 care," and quietly disencumber himself of a useless, 

 extravagant wife. That, madam, was my scheme. 

 You are shocked, and turn pale ; but you must 

 allow that it was very natural advice. However, 

 I begin to think it not quite right to propose 

 such separations, nor is it just to refuse you 

 some trial of amendment. I have come now, 

 therefore, to renew my proposal, without that 

 condition, and to offer a salary double that 

 which I first named. I will undertake the ma- 

 nagement of your property here; and for this 

 house, I will allow you a fair rent. And now, 

 madam, consider this well, and don't let yourself 



JP3 



