SirW。Follettwasastrangertome，butinmyemergencyIshowedthedocumentsfoundinthewriting—desktohim，andbyhisadviceIwasguidedinallthatfollowed。Byhisdirectioninquirieswerefirstmaderespectingthegentlemanwhohadoccasionedourimmediatequarrel，andwhohadbeenseenwithherthatmorning，andthenrespectingoneortwoothers，butnosufficientevidencewasfound。Thenanegotiationforaseparationwasenteredupon，anditwasnotforsomeweeksthattheevidenceofamanthathadbeeninmyservicesometimepreviouscametomyknowledge。Thatevidencewasdiscardedatthetrial；
　　butcircumstanceshavesincecometomyknowledgewhichHewasnotcalled，becausehecouldhaveprovedthisplausiblestorytobeamostwickedfabrication。NoonewascalledwhocouldhaveprovedtheTRUTH。Page105
　　compelmetobelievethathewasthewitnessofTRUTH。
　　Itsuitedthedefendant’scounselinthatactiontogiveitapoliticalcomplexion，butIsolemnlydeclare，uponmyhonour，thatnotasinglepersonoftheToryoranyotherpartypersuadedmetobringit，andnocommunicationwhateverhadIwithLordWynfordoranyotherpersonconnectedwithpoliticsaboutuntilafterthetrialwasover。MrCurrie，mysolicitorfortheaction，willvouchforthis，andheisalsoawareofcertainsolicitationsmadebybothpartiesinpoliticsthatIwouldnotproceedwiththeaction；heisawarehowmywitnessesweremolestedandtamperedwithintown，andthatitwasattheirownrequestthatsomeofthemweresenttothecountry，wheretheywereneverthelessfollowedandpersecuted。
　　Ifind，fromthereport，thatMrsNortonsaidonThursdaythatIhadclaimedthecopyrightsofherworksfromherpublishers；thisstatementIhavetodenyinthemostdirectandemphaticterms。Ihavenever，directlyorindirectly，madeanyclaimwhatevertohercopyrights，thebenefitofwhichshehadalwaysbeenallowedbymetoenjoywithoutletorhindrance，anduntilIwaspreparingforthistrialInevereveninquiredastotheamountofthem。Whatdidoccurwithrespecttohercopyrightswas，thatmysolicitor，toprovethatherincomehasexceeded1，500l。perannum，didinstituteaninquiryamongherpublishers，severalofwhomweresubpoenaedtoattend。Iheardherrefertohercopyrights，butdidnothearherusetheword"claim"。
　　Ithoughtshereferredtotheinquiriesmysolicitorhadmade，andconsequentlyusedthewords，"Mysolicitordid。"Hadtheword"claimed"actuallyreachedmyears，Ishouldhavedoubtedtheiraccuracyinconveyingtomymindsogreatafalsehood。
　　AmostabsurdandfalseimpressionwasgivenbyMrsNortonastomysignatureof"Greenacre；"thejokeinvolvedinsuchasignaturewasbutapoorone，butsheforgetstostatethatitoriginatedwithherself，byheradopting，inherletterstome，thenameof"HannahBrown。"Withregardtoanothermatter，Page106
　　MrsNorton，inherlettertothe’Times，’usesthesewords：——"Because，asIhavestated，ifitisnotavalidcontract，thecreditormaybeutterlycheatedofhismoney，if（whichGodforbid！）IshouldcopyMrNorton，andalsoflingoff，byaquibbleofthelaw，myliabilitytothem。"MrsNorton，inthisquotation，referstothepleaofhercoverture；nowitsohappensthatwithinthelastfewweeksapoorman，PeterDooladdy，cametoandshowedmeanoticethathehadreceivedfromtheWestminsterCountyCourt，informinghimthatMrsNortonwouldpleadcovertureinanactionwhichhehadtherebroughtagainstherforwagesduetohim，andIunderstoodthatshehasgivenasimilarnoticetoseveralothersofhercreditors。
　　LordMelbournepromisedmetheappointmentofpolicemagistratebeforehevisitedatourhouse，orbefore，Ibelieve，heevenknewMrsNorton。（！）
　　LordEldonhadappointedmeCommissionerofBankruptsin1827，andwhensuchappointmentwasabolishedbytheconstructionoftheBankruptcyCourtin1830or1831，IconsideredthatIhadsomeclaimontheHomeSecretary，havingreceivednocompensationforthelossofmysituation。Imustaddtheacceptanceofthepolicemagistracynecessarilyinvolvedtherelinquishmentofmyprofession。
　　MrTrail，thereceiverofmyrents，provedonThursdaythatmyincomefromeverysourcedidnotaverage2，400l。peryear。
　　Itistrue，therefore，thattheagreementof1848，toallow500l。ayear，wasnotconditionalupontherelinquishmentofanallowancefromLordMelbourne’sestate。ItisnottruethatIeversaidorsuggestedthecontrary。ItistruethatafterLordMelbourne’sdeath，andwhenIwasinformedofsuchanallowance，IrequiredMrsNorton’ssolemnassurancethatshehadneverreceived，andwouldnotreceive，anincomefromsuchasource；thatatonetimethatsolemnassurancewasgiven；thatatanotherthebaresuggestionthatanysuchbenefactionfromLordMelbournehadbeenacceptedwastreatedasaninsult，andthatnevertheless，uponobtainingaccesstoherbankers’Page107
　　books，IascertainedthatshehadactuallyreceivedthatallowancefromLordMelbourne’sestatefrom1849。
　　ItisnottruethatIrefusedtoperformtheagreementof1848becauseitwasmadebetweenmanandwife；
　　butitistruethattheagreement，havingbeenofatemporaryandnotofapermanentnature，andtheamountallowedunderitbeingnecessarilydependentupontheamountsofourrespectiveincomes，Idid，in1851，uponMrsNorton’sincomebeingincreasedby500l。ayearuponhermother’sdeath，whileminewas，fromvariouscauses，diminished，proposetoreducethe500l。to300l。，whichIwasafterwardswillingtoincreaseto400l。
　　Itisalsotrue，thatdowntoMarchinthelastyear（1852），sincewhen，andfromtheyearprevious，theamountoftheallowanceshasbeenthesubjectofdiscussion，IallowedtoMrsNortontheundiminishedsumof500l。ayear；that，consequently，forseveralyearsshehas——andthatevenbyherownadmission——beeninthereceiptofanincomeofatleast1，500l。ayear，andalwayshashadanincomefarlargerinproportionthanmine；andyetshehasincessantlycontracteddebtswithnumeroushonestcreditors，verymanyofwhomareatthismomentunpaid，andinsteadofapplyingherabundantmeanstothepaymentofthesedebts，hasdriventhecreditorstoresorttome，oppressingmewithlitigationandcosts，andimpairingmyalreadycrippledmeans，whichshouldhavebeenappliedtothemaintenanceofmyselfandmytwosons，bothofthemjustenteringlife。ItisunderthesecircumstancesthatIaskonwhomitisthatthecoarseandseriouschargeofcheatingcreditorsmaybetrulymade？
　　Iam，Sir，yourobedient，humbleservant，10WiltonPlace，Aug。23。
　　G。C。NORTON。
　　Thefirstpublicnoticeofthisastonishingseriesoffabrications，camefromMrLeman。Havingpointedouttheutterinaccuracyoftheportionthatcamewithinhisownknowledge，namely，thedrawingupofthecontract，heverycourteouslyproposedthatitshouldbecorrectedbyMrNortonPage108
　　himself。Thatnotbeingcompliedwith，MrLemanaddressedtheeditorofthe’Times，’——brieflystating，thatwiththeexceptionthathehadpreparedthemortgage，——"theentireparagraphwasuntrue。"MrNorton’ssolicitorhavingattemptedsomeexplanationinreply，MrLemanpublishedacompletestatementofthedrawingoutofthecontract，togetherwiththecontractitself；andconcludedhisletterbyrequestingthosewhoreadit，todecideforthemselves，whethertheentireparagraph，withtheexceptionmade，wasorwasnot"untrue。"
　　Itwasthenmyturntorepeltheaccusationspublishedbymyhusband。Imighthaveanswered，（asmybrother’ssolicitorhadansweredMrNorton’sadvertisementin1837；）"thewholeofitisfalse；"for，tocontradicteveryfalsehoodwouldhavebeentocontradicteveryline。Ileftmuchunnoticed。Myobjectwastokeepclearlyandsteadilytothisbroadgeneralcontradiction：——thatneitherourquarrelin1836orourdisputein1854，hadanythingwhatevertodowithLordMelbourne。Ileftunheeded，then，thecoldandstupidsneerwhichstampedmydistressinthecountycourtas"acting"；andtheobservations（madeinalikespirit）astomygriefatfirstpartingwithmychildren，being"apretencetoexcitepublicsympathy；"thoughintheverysamesentence，MrNortonnarratesthelamentabledeathoftheyoungest，undercircumstancesthatmightwellwringthehardestheart。IleftunnoticedthewholefableoftheseizureofLordMelbourne’sletters，andthewickedinventionsrespectingmyMotherandBrother：bothdeceased。IlefttothecommonsenseofthosewhomightreadMrNorton’sletter，verymanyofhismanifestself—contradictions；
　　suchascallingonhisreadersto"judgeofhissurprise"onfinding，"onlytwoorthreeweeksago，"thatIhadtheannuityfromLordMelbourne’sfamily，andofhisdisinclinationtocontinuemyallowance"foronehour"
　　afterheknewthatfact；notperceiving，inhisblindefforttoprovemebase，insteadofhimself，——thathisowndataconfoundedhim：——thatthesimplestofhisreadersmightPage109
　　ask，——"howcamethatwhichyousayyouhadonlyknownthreeweeks，tobeyourreasonforbreachoffaithmorethanayearandahalfago？
　　Howcomesthedateofyourbreachoffaithtobe，——nottheknowledgeofthatfact，buttheknowledgeofyourwife’slegacyfromhermother？HowcameyouprominentlytobringforwardthismatterofLordMelbourne’sunsecuredannuity，asthecauseofyourconductinMarch，1852，whenyounowassureus，youonlybecameawareofitwhileexaminingyourwife’sprivateaccountatherbankers，inAugust，1853？Youexaminedthataccountinordertodefendactionsbroughtbyyourwife’screditors？Youwerethenalreadydisputingthecontractatlawwithher？Onwhatplea？CertainlynotonthepleaofLordMelbourne’sannuity，foryousayyoudidnotknowshehadit。Youwerepreparingyourdefencewithoutthatadditionalfact？Youlearnedit，——toyourgreat"surprise"，——onlytwoorthreeweeksbeforetheaction？Thatisyourstatement。Andthatbeingyourstatement，isitpossibleyoudonotsee，thatyouhaveprovedyourwife’scase？Thatyouhaveproved，thattheMelbourneannuitywasnotyourreason（ifindeed，anyreasoncouldjustifydishonesty）；thathermother’slegacywasyourreason；andthatbeingjustlyconsciousoftheshameyourrealdefencewouldentailuponyou，yousubstitutedafictitiousdefence，whichyouthoughtmightthrowshameuponher；andprevent，byitsconfuseddetails，thatpubliccondemnationofyourfraud，whichyoufeltmustotherwiseincur。"
　　Therearefiftyothersuchdiscrepancies，butIwillnotenterintothem；IwillnotanswerMrNorton’slettertwice。IsolemnlydeclarehisassertionsrespectingLordMelbourne，mymother，mybrother，andmysons，tobeall，——altogether，andequally，UNTRUE；andasmysonscannotbeexpectedpubliclytocontradicthim，Icanonlyhopethatwhatissaidrespectingthem，willbeweighedinthescalewithallthatissaid（andutterlydisproved），ofothers。
　　Iwillnotdiscusshiscruelmentionofthem：bitterasthetemptationis。IgivemyPage110
　　answertoMrNorton’sletterasitappearedinthepapersatthetime。Itcontainssomuchrepetitionofwhathasbeenalreadymorefullyrecordedinthispamphlet，thatIprintitratherasarecordofwhatmyanswerwas，thanfromthenecessityofitsdelayingthereaderinthisplace。Iwouldmerelycallattentiontothepassagemarkedwiththreeasterisks***page120（disprovingMrNorton’sastonishingassertionthatLordMelbournegavehimhisMagistracybeforehewasacquaintedwithme）；
　　andIwouldbegespecialnoticeoftheletterswhichimmediatelyfollowmine。
　　TotheEditorofthe’Times。’
　　Sir，——OnWednesdaythe24thult。，alongletterfromMrNortonappearedinthecolumnsofthe’Times。’
　　IdidnotexpectevertofeelthankfulforanythingMrNortonwouldsayofme；butIdofeelmostdeeplythankfulthathewroteandpublishedthatletter。Hehasnowdeliberatelygiventotheworld，onhisownauthority，andunderhisownsignature，thathistorywhichIhavealwaysrefrainedfromgiving，beyondthecircleofmyownfriends；andhehasthusgivenmeanopportunityofrefutingslander，ofwhichIshouldsoonerhaveavailedmyself，butthattodosocompletely，Ihavebeenobligedtolookthroughamassofpapersandcorrespondence，andIhavebeentooill，sincethedayIhadtoappearintheCountyCourttomaketherequisiteexertion。
　　Ipassoverthechargebroughtagainstme，thereandinMrNorton’sletter，ofextravaganceinmyarrangementsforahomeformysonsandmyself。Thechargecomesillfromonewhoowesme687l。，andwhodoesnotevendenythedebt，butmerelysayshecannotbecompelledtopayit，because，aswasstatedinCourt，heisnotboundbylaw，butonly"asamanofhonour。"Ipasstheludicrousattempttofixmyfluctuatingincomeat1，500l。ayear，by"setting"myliterarygainsatapermanent500l。annually。WillMrNortonandhiscounselpayit，aswellas"set"it？Willtheyensuremehealth，strength，leisure，andtheframeofmindfitforsocalmanoccupation？WilltheyPage111
　　statewhattheythinkmyincomefromliterarylabourforthepresentyearislikelytobe，intheturmoil，distress，andscandaltheyhavebroughtuponme？Ipassthemanifestmis—statementofMrNorton’sownincome，whichIcouldprove，bymymarriagesettlements，astatementofhisformerreceiverofrents，hisownletters，andmyownknowledge，tobenearlydoublewhatheasserteditwas。Withallthat，"theworld"hasnothingtodo；andifMrNortonhadconfinedhimselftoourpecuniarydispute，therewouldhavebeennonecessityforpubliccomplaintorprivatesorrow。
　　ThechargeIpubliclybringagainstMrNorton（whohasbroughtsomanyagainstme）isafargraverchargethananyinjusticeinpecuniarymatters。Icomplain，thattwiceinmylifehehasendeavoured，onafalsepretence，torobmeofmyreputation。
　　In1836Ihadaquarrelwithmyhusband。OurcauseofquarrelwaswhetherIshould，orshouldnot，takemychildrentothehouseofmybrother，whowouldnotreceivemyhusband。
　　Ipersisted。Myhusbandbaffledmebysendingmychildrentothewomanwhohassincelefthimherproperty，whothreatenedtogivemeintothehandsofthepolicewhenIwenttoclaimthen，andIlefttownaloneformybrother’scountryseat。Suchbeingourrealquarrel，IchargeMrNortonwithcontrivingthatthewholeworldshouldbelieve（astheydidbelieve）
　　thatmymisconducthadbrokenupourhome，thatIwasanunfaithfulwife，andthatmyloverwasLordMelbourne。HebroughtanactionagainstLordMelbourne。Thewitnessesforthatactionwereprovedontrialtobeofthelowestandmostdegradedclass。Thechiefwitnesswasadrunkendiscardedgroom，whowasthenarag—sellerinMonmouthstreet：bothheandotherswereprovedtohavebeensentdowntoLordGrantley’splace，andtohavereceivedaweeklystipendfromhisagentwhilethere。Thetrialwasbroughtin1836；nevertheless，noevidencewasofferedaftertheyear1833；theservantslivingwithusatthetimewerenotcalled；nothingwasheardbutthewitnessingoftherag—sellerPage112
　　andhiscompanions，whoadmittedinCourtthattheyhadreceivedmoney。Inspiteofallwhichstrangeadvantages，andthefactthatawomanisnotallowedtodefendherselfintheseactions，theverdictwentagainstMrNorton。
　　Inthispresentyearof1853
　　Ihaveaquarrelwithmyhusband。Ourquarrelis，whetherIshall，orshallnot，becompelledtocedeaportionofmymother’sbequest。Irefuse。MrNortoninsists。Irashlycountonbeingcertaintoobtainacompulsoryfulfillmentofouragreement；whichIimaginedtobebinding。Ifindmyself，onmyreturntoEngland，withoutfundstomeetmyEnglishcreditors。I
　　stoponeactionagainstmyhusbandatmyownexpense。IwritetoMrNorton’sownsolicitor，intheforlornhopethatMrNortonisactingagainstadvice。
　　IcomeintoCourtagainstmywill，uponsubpoena，compelledtoappear，toprovethedebtandagreement。MrNortonmeetsmethere，inperson，andbycounsel，oncemoretofighthisbattleagainstmewithcrueltreachery，oncemoretoraisetheghostofthatdepartedslander，andtocontrivethatthewholeworldshallbelieve（astheydobelieve），thatLordMelbournewasagainthesubjectofourquarrel：thatsomepledge，stipulation，orpromisewasmadeandbrokenbyme，andthatthatisMrNorton’sexcuseforhisbreachofcovenant。Irebutthatimputationonoath，andbyprovedfacts；andMrNortonpublishes，inthe’Times’newspaper，twocolumnsofabuseofthedeadandliving，includingcoarseanecdotesofthemotherofhisgrownupsons，which，eveniftrue（whichtheyarenot），hehimselfdatesbacktothetimewhenwehad’"anonlychild，"thatis，twentyyearsago。Shalltheverdictnotoncemorebeagainsthim？
　　Iwasyoungwhenthisslanderwasfirstraised；mychildrenwereinfants。Iwasoneofanumerousandaffectionatefamily；Ihadkindfriendsandagoodcause。Istruggledlikeadrowningpersonagainstdisgrace，andreachedtheshore。Alreadythesemiserableaffairswerehalf—forgottenbytheworld；andinliteraryoccupation，devotiontomysons，andthefirmfriendshipPage113
　　ofthosewhoknewmyrealstory，Ithoughttohavespentthefutureofastormypast。MrNortonhasnotpermittedthis。Oncemorehehasdraggedmeintoshamefulpublicity；butonhisownletterIwillrestmyjustification，nowandforever！
　　MrNortonsays，hecomesforward"asamagistrate，andanadministratorofjustice，"toprovehehasbeenjust，also，inhisprivateaffairs。Inthatcapacity，andwiththatview，heproceedstomakethefollowingadmissions：headmitsthatwedidnotpartonLordMelbourne’saccount；andthatbeforeheevermadeLordMelbournedefendantintheactionin1836，hehadalreadyendeavouredtoestablishacase，firstagainstonegentleman，andthen——IgiveMrNorton’sownprintedwords：——
　　"Andthenrespectingoneortwoothers，butnosufficientevidencewasfound。Thenanegotiationforaseparationwasenteredupon。"
　　Inallthatfollowed，hesayshewasguidedbytheadviceofSirW。Follett。SirW。Follettisdead；
　　but，fortunately，hasleftonrecordhiscontradictionofthisfalsehood，asanyonemayascertainbyreferencetothe’Times’ofJune25，1836，whereitiscontradicted，onauthority，byMessrsCurrieandWoodgate。
　　IhavealsoaprivateletterfromSirW。Follett（whomIwrotetoreproach），expresslyrepudiatingtheideaofhavingadvisedmyhusband。"Iwashiscounsel，"hesays，"nothisadviser。"Perhapsnothingcanbettermarktheopinionofthetrialof1836thantheanxietyshownbyallpartiestodisavowtheirshareinit。
　　MrNortonadmitsthat——afterthispublictrial，andtheseprivateeffortstoestablishcourtcasesagainst"oneortwoothers"——"Itistruethatin1837wecontemplatedareunion，"
　　andthatthemiserablejestbetweenuswas（onaccountofmyhavingfearedtomeethiminanemptyhouse，asheproposed），thatweadoptedinourcorrespondencethesignaturesofamanandwoman，theformerofwhomhadbeenhung，forluringthelattertohishouse，andtheremurderingher。
　　Hefeelsthatthisrequiresalittleexplanation，andproceedstosay：——
　　"Myownconduct，Iadmit，atthattimewasweakandvacil—Page114
　　latingintheextreme。IhadlovedhertomadnessforthreeorfouryearsbeforeImarriedher，andafterwewereunitedshehadallpoweroverme。"
　　Iwasaveryyounggirlatschool，whenMrNortonproposedforme。Iwasalwaysmaltreatedbyhimfromtheearliestperiodofourmarriage。Ipartedfromhimin1833，andin1835，asmyfamilycanwitness，forviolencesuchasisbroughtbeforepolice—courts；andIreturnedtohimonhisownpassionateentreatythatInot"crush"but"forgivehim，"andthathe"wentonhiskneestomeforpardon。"Iwassafeoutofhispower，andmyreputationunsullied，whenhemadethisprayer；Ireturned，andfivemonthsafterthisletterwewereagaindefinitivelyparted。Thatpartingwasfollowedbytheattemptpubliclytodisgraceme。Afterthatpublicdisgrace，hedid，asheadmits，askmetoreturntohim。Butthatisnotashewouldhavetheworldbelieve，hisonly"vacillating"attemptatreconciliation。Myhusband，whopretendstohavelovedmesotenderly，andthrownmeoffsocompletely，didneitheronenortheother。Hemaltreatedmewhilewithhim；andhehasbeeninalmostconstantcorrespondencewithme，andoccasionallyavisitoratmyhouse，downtothewinteroftheyear1850。Wouldanyonebelievethattwoyearsafter"ourreunionwasrenderedimpossible，"hewroteletterafterletterendeavouringtoarrangeforourlivingtogetheragain，andspeaksof"shieldingmeinahusband’sarms？"Thatatthetimehealludesto，hewasendeavouringtoresistmypetitiontotheChancellortoregainpossessionofmychildren；thathethengavehissolemnwordofhonourtoMrHardwicke，abrothermagistrate，thathehadnotbeenraisingafreshscandalagainstme；thatheneverventuredtodefendmypetitiontotheChancellor；thatinhisletters，twoyearssubsequently，hebegsme，withcoaxingexpressions，tocallinallcopiesofapamphletcontainingourstrangecorrespondence；andinoneoftheselettersof1842，speaksofhimselfas"yourGeordieofformerandhappieryears！"Thatnotonlythen，butinalltheyearssince，Icanproducelettersmoreorlessfriendlyandaffectionate；askingservicesofme；thankingmePage115
　　forservinghim；announcingthemarriageofhissister；fullofphrasesofjestingandaffection；manybeginning"DearCarry"and"DearestCarry；"anxiousaboutme；complimentingme；asking"howmytravellingalonecanbeobviated；"finally（forIwearyovertheseinstancesofcaprice），inApril，1846，hebegins：——"Yourkindletter，writteninthegoodoldspirit，whichshouldneverhavebeenbroken————；"andonChristmas—day，1846，exactlytenyearsandsixmonthsafterthetrial，andsixyearsaftermypetitiontotheChancellor，hehopesmyhealthis"crisplikethefrost"——praisesmybrother——signshimself"Yoursever"——andinanotherletterbegsIwillembracetheboys"forabsentmeaswellasforyourself！"Isitpossibletoconceive，thatinthefaceofallthis，MrNortoncansodependonmynotansweringhim，astoventuretoprintsuchmis—statements？Isitpossiblehedoesnotseethattheyleavehiminthisposition：eitherhedisbelievesthesecalumnies，whichneverthelesshereiteratestomyinjurywhenitsuitshim；or，believingmetobeabadwoman，hewishesmetoreturnhome？
　　Itisindeeddifficulttochoosewhichalternativeshallsavehishonour！
　　TheadmissionshemakesrespectingthelateproceedingsintheCountyCourtareasextraordinaryashisassertions。
　　Noonecanreadtheevidenceandnotconclude，thatMrNortonbrokefaithwithme，becauseIbrokesomestipulationmadewithhim，andthatthatstipulationwasrespectingmoneyfromLordMelbourne。Iwascross—examinedonthispointinamannerimpossibletoendure，byMrNorton’scounsel，whoputthequestiontomefivetimeswithlittlevariation，andwhenforthefifthtimeIhadanswered，onmyoath，thattherewasnosuchstipulation，saidsneeringly，"Well，Iamboundtotakeyouranswer。"NowreadMrNorton’sadmissioninhislettertothe’Times’：——
　　"Shewasquitecorrectincourtwhenshesworethathernon—receptionoftheannuityfromLordMelbourneformednopartoftheconditionsuponwhichthatagreementwascometo。
　　Ineversaiditdid。"……"Itistrue，therefore，thattheagreementof1848，toallow500l。ayear，wasnotconditionalPage116
　　upontherelinquishmentofanallowancefromLordMelbourne’sestate。ItisnottruethatIeversaidorsuggestedthecontrary。"……
　　"Theconfusionthatprevailedatthetrialrendereditimpossibleformeeventoexplainthemattertomycounsel，andhencearosethatpartofthecross—examinationwhichimpliedthatapledgehadbeengivenbeforethesigningofthememorandum。"
　　MrNortonisunluckyinhischoiceoflegalassistance。WhenIsaidthatmycopyrightshadbeenclaimed——the"benefitofwhich，"hesays，"shehasalwaysbeenallowedtoenjoy"——hethrewtheblameonhissolicitor，whohadsubpoenaedthepublishers；andwhenIcomplainofbeingallbutaccusedofperjury，hesaysitwasthemistakeofhiscounsel，towhomhecouldnotexplainthematter——thoughhesatbyhisside，andsuggestedinanunder—tonealmosteveryquestionthatwasaskedmeinCourt。NeverthelessitiscertainMrNortondidmakethisassertion，whichhenowsayshedidnotmake。Hereistheprintedreport，asgiveninthepapers：——
　　"MrNorton——Theannuityof500l。wasgivenbymeonlyonthisbasis。Iwouldnothavegiventhissum，oronefarthing，ifshehadnotgivenmethemostsolemnassurancethatshewouldnotreceiveoneshillingfromLordMelbourne。"
　　"MrsNorton——Istandhereonmyoath，andIsaythatthatisfalse。"
　　Thereportsmaybe，andare，inmanyrespects，verballyinaccurate；butMrNortonmadetheassertioninCourtwhichhenowdenieshavingmade；thatthewholecross—examinationturneduponit；thatallpubliccommentandopinionhasturneduponit；
　　thatitstoodashisexcuseforbreakinghiscovenant；thatitwasatoncehisanswerandaccusation，inreplytoanyclaimuponhim，isincontrovertible；
　　andIsoclearlyunderstoodit（aseveryoneelseunderstoodit）tobehisanswertothechargeofbreakingtheagreement，thatassoonasIhadreadovertheevidencenextmorning，Isentalettertothe’Times，’provingthat，asLordMelbournewasnotdeadatthetimetheagreementwasmade，thestipulationcouldnothaveexisted。MrNortonnowsayshenever"saidorsuggestedthecontrary。"Iwascruellyandinsultinglycross—examineduponit，butthatwasonlyPage117
　　onaccountofcounselknowingnothingofthematter。Now，readMrNorton’sownaccountofthedrawingupofthisdisputedagreement。HeADMITS，thatbeingdesirousofborrowingthetrust—fundsettledonmeandmysonsincaseofmywidowhood，hefound——
　　"Thatthetrusteescouldnotlendthetrust—moneywithoutthepermissionofMrsNortonandmyselfinwriting，andheinformedme，further，thatshewouldnotgiveherpermissionunlessIconsentedtogiveheranadditionof100l。toherallowance，makingit500l。insteadof400l。Iwasdrivenintoacornerbythisunexpecteddiscovery，andIhadtosubmittotheaddition。"
　　Whataddition？ifasheaffirmsinthenextbreath，heknewtheagreement"wasnotbinding，"andthathecouldbreakitatpleasure？Andifitcouldbebrokenatpleasure，andboundnoone，whydidwesignit？Hehimselfestablishesthereasonwhy；
　　andprovesbyhisownstatement，justgiven，thatinsteadofitsbeinganagreementbasedonthestipulationthatIshouldhavenootherresources，itwasamatterofbargain，forhisowninterest；andsogreatdidheconsidertheadvantagetohimself，thathewaswillingtogiveforit（ortoseemtogiveforit）anextra100l。ayearforlife！Inmakingthisapparentconcession，however，hesaysheknew，evenatthetime，thatitwasonlyapparent。HesaysthatIcertainlywishedtomakeit"abindingdocument，byfindingtrustees，butfailedtodoso，asnotoneofherrelationsorfriendswouldbecomehersurety。"Ibeg，onbehalfof"relationsandfriends，"
　　tocontradictthis。Isignedwithoutsureties，becauseIreceivedfromSirF。Thesiger（who，atmyearnestrequest，consentedtoseeMrNortonathischambersonthisbusiness），aletterdated8August，1848，inwhichhestatedthatMrNortonwouldgivemeadeed，"withoutrequiringguarantees。"
　　NorhadIpreviouslynamed，orthoughtofnaming，anybutonememberofmyfamily，whomIhadnotevenconsultedastohiswillingnesstobemixedupwithMrNorton’saffairs。
　　Havinggivenhisaccountofthemakingofthecovenant，MrNortonthusgiveshisaccountofthebreakingofit：——
　　Page118
　　"IlearntthatMrsNortonhadbeenleft500l。perannumbyhermother，fromwhomIwasnotawarethatshehadanyexpectations。Ithenproposedtoherareductionofherallowance，whichshewouldnotaccedeto；and，aftershehadreceivedhermother’slegacyandforsometimeenjoyedit，Ididreduceit"……"I
　　did，in1851，uponMrsNorton’sincomebeingincreasedby500l。ayearuponhermother’sdeath，whileminewas，fromvariouscauses，diminished，proposetoreduceit。"
　　Byhisownadmission，then，nostipulationrespectingLordMelbournewasmade；andnomentionofhimwasmadeinMrNorton’slettertome；whichletterdistinctlystates，thatmybrother’ssolicitorhavinginformedhimIhadmymother’slegacy，thereforehewillbreaktheagreement。Hedoesnotsay，"youhavehadmoneygiventoyoubyLordMelbourne’sfamily，thereforeIstopyourallowance。"Hesays，"youhavegotalegacyfromyourmother；shareitwithme，orIwillforceyoutoshareit，bynon—paymentofwhatIoweyou；"norwasit"afterIhadenjoyeditsometime，"butonthecontrary，attheexactdateofthereceiptofmymother’sproperty，thatMrNortonfulfilledhisthreat：
　　andasheexpresslysaysthathedidnotknow，tillhesawmybankers’
　　account，thatIhadLordMelbourne’sbequest——headmitsthatmymother’sannuitywashisonlyreason。
　　Nowthisagreement，aboutwhichsomuchhasbeensaid，wasbasedonthesinglestipulation，notthatIshouldbericher，butthatheshouldbepoorer；poorerbyonethousanda—year，beingthevalueoftheofficetowhichhewasnamedbyLordMelbourne。
　　Mybeingrichercertainlydidnotmakehimpoorer；onthecontrary，atmymother’sdeath，thesmallportionIderivedfrommyfatherwenttohim，andnottome。Hegiveshisownaccountofmypreviousconductinmoneymatters；mostplausibly，andmostfalsely；theexactandwitnessedtruthbeing，thatduringthetwoyears1836and1837，IhadnotonesinglefarthingfromMrNorton；thathethenemployedSirJohnBayley，whohadbeenhiscounsel，toarbitrateastomyallowanceandallothermatters；thathewouldnotabidebythearbitration；madewhatallowancehepleased；andadvertisedme（toguardhimselffromfurtherliability）inthepublicpapers——Page119
　　being，Ibelieve，theonlypersonofhisownrankinlifewhoeveradoptedsuchameasure。IcopytwosentencesfromadeclarationwithwhichSirJohnBayleyhaslatelyfurnishedme，incontradictionatonceofthewholefabricationrespectingmyconductinthesematters：——
　　"IwasappointedarbitratoronMrNorton’sbehalf，intheyear1837，havingbeencounselforhim；andthusbecameintimatelyacquaintedwiththecircumstancesofthesedisputes。
　　MrNortongavemeatthattimeawrittenpromisetoabidebymydecision。
　　Hebrokehispromise，andrefusedtoholdhimselfboundbythepledgesgiven。"……"IconsiderMrNorton’sconducttohiswife，sofarasithascomeundermyknowledgeandcognisance，tohavebeenmarkedwiththegrossestcruelty，injustice，andinconsistency。"
　　ItiswithpainIapproachthatpartofMrNorton’sletterinwhichhehaschosentomakereferencetoourson。Ithinkmysons’namesshouldhavebeenheldsacredinthisdrearyquarrel；whichbeganintheirchildhood，andwhichtheirmanhoodfindsunreconciled。MysonisnotyetinEngland；norwasheinEnglandatthetimeMrNortonstateshehadthesecommunicationswithhim。IutterlydenythatIevermadehimthechannelofafalsehoodtohisfather；andIdenythatIeversaidorimpliedthatitwas"aninsult"tobesupposedtobeaidedbyLordMelbourne’sfamily。Ididsay（andperhapsotherswillagreewithme）thatitwasthecoarsestofinsultswhenMrNortontalkedoftheseaffairstomyson；thatIrefusedtodiscussthemwithhim；thatIdeniedMrNorton’srighttoquestionme，hehavingboundhimself"stringently，"
　　inwritingtomysolicitor，nevermoretointerfereinmyaffairsfromthedateoftheagreement；andMrLemanhasaletterfrommewrittenatthattime，statingthatIconsenttoMrNorton’sproposals——"mainlybecauseitisintolerabletometohavemysontalkovermattersfromhisfather。"
　　ThatMrNortonprotestedafterwards，——eitherrespectingabequestfromLordMelbourne，ormymother’slegacy，——onlyprovesthetruthofmywarningtoMrLeman，thatifitwerepossibleforMrNortontofindanexcuseforbreakinghisword，hewouldbreakit；ashehaddonetoSirJohnBayley。
　　Page120
　　WithrespecttoLordMelbourne，——threeyearsafterthedateMrNortonhimselfassignstotheanecdotehehasthoughtfittopublish，hewritesthus，speakingofthewomanwhoafterwardslefthimtheYorkshireproperty，andwhohadinvitedhimtodine：——
　　"Isentheracivilexcuse，whichwasansweredbyathoroughlove—letter；indeeditishightimethatIshouldsanctiontoaremarkingworldyourpenchantforoldmen，bysufferingthisantiquefaux—pas。"
　　Thepost—markofthatletterisAugust8，1834。IdonotknowifMrNortonwillpersistthatitistheremarkofajealoushusband。InJanuary，andinFebruary，1836（thatis，onemonthbeforeourfinalseparation），MrNortonspeaksof"theunparalleledkindnessofLordMelbourne；"andstrenuouslyurgesmetowritetohimtopresstheappointmentofafriend。Iwillnotenterintothefabuloushistoryoftheletters；MrNortonforgetsthatashewasthen，byhisownadmission，occupiedon"oneortwoother"names，itcouldnotbeforeseenthatthesenotesfromLordMelbournewouldbeimportant；andthewholeofthatstatementisfalse。Withtheexceptionofmyself，mostofthepersonsMrNortonmalignsaredead，andcannotanswerhim。LordMelbourneisnolongerheretogivehiswordofhonourthatthemanheservedwhenlivinghasstatedthatwhichisuntrueofhismemory；butIcanveryclearlycontradictMrNortonastoonestatement，andIdosotoshowwhatcredencemaybegiventoothers。
　　Becomingapparentlyuneasyastoanyremarkswhichmaybemadeontheaffectationoflookingwithabhorrenceonmyacceptanceofaid，whilehehimselfreceivesonethousandayearfromLordMelbourne’sappointment，MrNortonassertsasfollows：***
　　"LordMelbournepromisedmetheappointmentofpolicemagistratebeforehevisitedatourhouse，orbefore，Ibelieve，heevenknewMrsNorton。"
　　Andhegivesthisveryplausiblereason：
　　"LordEldonhadappointedmeCommissionerofBankruptsin1827，andwhensuchappointmentwasabolishedbytheconstructionoftheBankruptcyCourtin1830or1831，IconsideredthatIhadsomeclaimontheHomeSecretary，havingreceivednocompensationforthelossofmysituation。"
　　Page121
　　Boththesesentencesaredirectlycontrarytotherealfacts。
　　ByMrNorton’sexpresswishanddesire，IwroteatthattimenotonlytoLordMelbourne，buttoallthosefriendsIthoughtmightserveus。IwrotetoLordHolland，LordLansdowne，theDukeofDevonshire，andothers，tomakeinterestwithLordBrougham（thenLordChancellor）togetMrNortonalegalappointment。Thisnotappearingprobable，weaskedforaCommissionershipofExciseorCustoms。Wedidnotsucceedinthissecondrequestanymorethanthefirst；butwhenMrWyatt，apolicemagistrate，died，LordMelbournewrotetometoofferthevacantmagistracy。Onthe18thApril，1831，LordMelbournewrotemewordthattheChancellorhadsenthissecretarytoinquirerespectingthismatter；
　　andhadintimatedthatheshouldexpectMrNortontoresignhisCommissionershipofBankrupts；LordMelbourneadded，"thisisnotsoagreeable，butstillwastobeexpected，andisperhapsnotunfairinthesereformingtimes，andImentionitthatyoumaynotbesurprisedwhenyoureceivetheintelligence。"
　　MrNortonwasdisappointed，anddemurred；hedesiredtoholdbothappointments；IwroteagaintoLordMelbournetostatethis，andreceivedinreplythefollowingnote：
　　"HouseofLords，Quarter—pastFive。
　　"Takemyadvice，andmakeNortonwritealineimmediatelytotheLordChancellor，givinguphisCommissionership。
　　Whatyoucannotkeep，itisalwaysbesttogiveupwithagoodgrace。——Yoursfaithfully，"Melbourne。"
　　Thestatement，therefore，madebyMrNorton，isentirelyfictitious；andifInoticeit，itistoaskwhatreliancecanbeplacedonalltheothermis—statementsinwhichblindwrath，imperfectmemory，andutterirresolutionhaveinvolvedhim？
　　MrNortoncallshispublishedlettera"vindication："amanofkeenermoralperceptionswouldhavefelt，whenhewroteit，thathewasnotwritinghisDEFENCE——buthisCONFESSION。
　　Frombeginningtoenditisatissueofdegradingadmissions，orincorrectassertions：ofwhichcontradiction，Iamthankfultosay，doesnotrestonmyhelplessdenial，butontheclearestdisproof。
　　Page122
　　MrNortonadmitsthatwedidnotpartonLordMelbourne’saccountin1836，butthathetookthen，ashetakesnow，anyslanderhecouldfind，toinvolvemeinundeservedshameanddisgrace。Headmitsthathesolicitedmyreturnafterthetrial，inafamiliar，jesting，andcaressingcorrespondence，——evenwhileherepeatsastruethegrossslandersof17yearsago。HeadmitsthathehadnostipulationwhateverwithmeaboutLordMelbourne，onthisdisputedagreement；andhedeniesthatheever"saidorsuggested"thathehadanysuchstipulation。
　　Sucharehisadmissions。Iturntohisassertions。
　　MrNorton’sappointmentwasnotgivenorpromisedbyLordMelbournebeforeheknewmeorvisitedatourhouse，but，onthecontrary，aftercorrespondenceandintimacy；anditwasnotgivenascompensationforthelossofhisCommissionershipofBankruptcy，onthecontrary，theChancellorinsistedoncontrollinghisownpatronage，andgavenoticethatMrNortonshouldnotbepermittedtoholdbothappointments。
　　Ididnotputmyhusbandtoneedlesstormentandexpensebyextravaganceandactionsfrommytradespeople；
　　onthecontrary，hebrokehissolemnwrittenpledgewithhisownreferee，SirJohnBayley，andadvertisedmeinthenewspapers，asSirJohnBayleycanprove。SirW。Follettdidnotadvisethetrial，orthemeasurestakenbyMrNorton；onthecontrary，hepubliclydisavowedhimassoonasthetrialwasover，astheletterofMessrsCurrieandWoodgateisextanttoprove。MrNortonhasnotprovedbyhisletterthathehasbeen"justinhisprivateaffairs，"butonthecontrary，hehasprovedhimselfascruellyunjustasanymaneverwas，bymeetingatrueclaimwithaseriesoflibellousaccusations，rakedupfromthepast，toslanderthelivingandthedead。
　　Iamcontentthattheseaccusationsshouldbetakenattheirworth；MrNorton’swordhasbeentoorecklesslypledgedonmatterseasyofdisproof，tobetrustedwhereevidenceiswanting，andnothingpossiblebutdenial。Isayagain，thathenceforthandforever，IrestmyjustificationonthispublishedconfessionofMrNorton’s；onitsglaringcontradictionsinallmatterstoPage123
　　whichitrefers；onitsstrangeadmissionsasregardshisconducttowardsme。Evenontheshowingofthatconfusedletter，ourstorystandsthus：——thatafterbringingadivorcetrialinwhichhehimselfsolittlebelievedthathewooedmehomeagainthenextyear，herevivestheslanderwhichanEnglishjury，thepledgedwordofthedeceased，andhisownrecalhadrefuted，withthebitterestexpressionsandfalseaccusationsbothagainsthiswifeandhisdeadpatron。Thathehasdonethisinthecourseofdefencetoacommonactionfordebt；thesimplequestionbeing，whetherhewasorwasnotboundtoprovideandsetapartforabodyoftradesmenthesumof687l。，thesecurityforsuchsumbeinganagreementdrawnoutformallybyasolicitor；athisownurgentrequest；toprocureanarrangementhedesired；signedbyhisownhand；andwitnessedbytwootherpersons。
　　Thathecannotassertthathehadanystipulationwhateverwithme，respectingLordMelbourne；myexpectationsfrommymother；ormyliteraryresources（allthreeofwhichhegaveashisexcuse）；neithercanhedeny，thatastheagreementembracedthecontingencyofhisbecomingLordGrantley，itwasintendedtobepermanent。Icomplainthattheoriginalsimplequestionhasbeencunninglylostandcovered，bytheoverwhelmingscandalofMrNorton’sfalsedefence。Iresent，nothistreacheryatthebrokenagreement，buthisattempttoraisethelaidghostofadeadslandertoshameme。
　　Iresisteditwithpassionatedespair，because，letawomanstruggleasshewill，fairfameisblotted，andfairnameislost，notbythefact，buttheaccusation；andIfeelitmorenoweventhanin1836，becausethenmychildrenwereinfantsanditcouldnotgrievethem。ThosewhohavecommentedontheexasperationwithwhichIansweredinCourt，woulddowelltorememberthatIstoodthere，answeringquestionsonoathwhichhadnopossiblebearingonthecase；wellknowingthosequestionstobeputwiththeexpressviewandpurposeofdefamingme；knowingthechargesimpliedbythosequestionstobefalse；knowing（themostdespairingknowledgeofall）thatMrNortonPage124
　　knewtheywerefalse，evenwhileheputthem；andthat，insteadofbeingallowedtoprovethedebtandagreement，Iwasoncemorebeinginsultedwiththeechoofthetrialof1836，withaslittlejustcausefortheinsult。
　　Itissaid，whyallthisscandalforamiserablematterofafewhundredpounds？betteranysacrificethansuchastruggle。Verytrue；butwhenthispettystrugglewasundertaken，nohumanbeingcouldhaveforeseenthefalsehoodwithwhichitwastobemet，andoutofwhichthisscandalwastogrow。Others，judgingwherenonecanjudgewhodonotknowourhistory，wonderIdidnotquietlytakewhatMrNortonassertsheoffered。Forthat，IcanonlyappealtoSirJohnBayley，andtotheevidenceofMrNorton’spresentconduct。IfMrNortonwouldnotbeboundbyhiswrittenpledgegiventoSirJohnBayleyin1837，norbytheformaldocumentdrawnupbyMrLemanin1848，isitcrediblethathewouldbeboundbyamereassertionthathewouldorwouldnotplacesuchandsuchsums？
　　Ihavedone。Therewillalwaysbethosetowhomaslanderisprecious；andwhocannotbeartohaveitrefuted。Therearealsothoseinwhoseeyestheaccusationofawomanishercondemnation，andwhocarelittlewhetherherstorybefalseortrue，solongasthereisorwasastoryabouther。Butjusterminds，whowillpauseandreviewthecircumstancesMrNortonhimselfhaspublished，willperhapsthinkthefateofthatwomanahardone，——whomneithertheverdictofajury，northesolemndenialofavoicefromthedead，northepetitionofherhusbandforareconciliationandoblivionofthepast，canclearfromachargealwaysandutterlyuntrue。Ididnotdeservethescandalof1836，andIdonotdeservethescandalof1853。LordMelbournedidnottemptmethentobreakmyweddedfaith；andhisnamehasnotnowbeenthegroundofabrokenstipulation。OnMrNorton’sownletterIamcontentthatpeopleshouldjudgeusboth。Manyfriendshavewishedmetopassoverthatletterindisdainfulsilence，asrefutingitself；andperhaps，ifIwerehappyenoughtobeobscureandunknown，thatwouldbemyPage125
　　course。ButIhaveapositionseparatefrommywoman’sdestiny；
　　Iamknownasawriter；andIwillnotpermititthatMrNorton’slettershallremainontheJournalsofGreatBritain，astheuncontradictedrecordofmyactions。Iwill，asfarasIamable，defendanamewhichmighthavebeenonlyfavourablyknown，butwhichmyhusbandhasrenderednotorious。
　　ThelittleworldofmychancereadersmaysayofmeafterIamdeadandgone，andmystrugglesoverandforgotten——"Thewomanwhowrotethisbookhadanunhappyhistory；"buttheyshallnotsay——"Thewomanwhowrotethisbookwasaprofligateandmercenaryhypocrite。"Sincemyonegiftofwritinggivesmefriendsamongstrangers，Iappealtotheopinionofstrangersaswellasthatoffriends。Since，inhoweverboundedandnarrowadegree，thereisachancethatImayberememberedafterdeath，Iwillnothavemywholelifemisrepresented。Letthosewomenwhohavethetruewoman’slot，ofbeingunknownoutofthecircleoftheirhomes，thankGodforthatblessing：itisablessing；butforme，publicityisnolongeramatterofchoice。Defenceispossibletome——notsilence。AndImustremindthosewhothinktherightofahusbandsoindefeasible，thatawifeoughtrathertosubmittothemartyrdomofherreputation，thanbejustifiedathisexpense，thatIhaverefrained。AllIstatenow，Imighthavestatedatanytimeduringthepastunhappyyears；andIneverdidpubliclystateittillnow——now，whenIfindMrNortonslanderingthemotherofhissons，bycoarseanecdotessignedwithhisnameandpublishedbyhisauthority；
　　endeavouringthustooverwhelmmewithinfamy，fornooffencebutthatofhavingrashlyassertedaclaimuponhim，whichwasfoundnottobevalidinlaw，butonlybindingonhim"asamanofhonour。"
　　CAROLINENORTON
　　MrNortonansweredthatletter。Heanswereditbyadmitting（whatindeedhecouldnotdeny）thefalsehoodrespectingtheappointmentLordMelbournegavehim，whichIhaddisprovedbyLordMelbourne’sownletters；hecalledthatbold，cunning，anddeliberateexplanationofhisacceptanceofPage126
　　favours，a"mistake。"Hesaid：——"Ihadnot，atthetimeofwritingmyformerletter，refreshedmymemorybyreferencetodocumentsconnectedwiththispoint，and，inwritingaboutatransactionwhichhappenedupwardsof22yearsago，IwasledintothismostunintentionalMISTAKE。"
　　Buthereiteratedother"mistakes"aboutothertransactions，whichhappenednotsomanyyearsago。Hepublished（toprovethathehadbroughttheactionagainstLordMelbournebySirW。Follett’sadvice）minutesofaconsultationnotedbyhissolicitor，MrCurrie：inwhichMrCurrieadmitted，thatSirW。Follettsaid，hedoubtedmuchifaverdictcouldbegot，aswitnessesofthedescriptionMrNortonhadprocured"weresolikelytobreakdownoncross—examination；"thatitwouldbe"importanttoprove，byabetterclassofwitnesses，"theextremeintimacywithLordMelbourne；andthataconferencehadbeenafterwardsheld，astothenecessityoftakingsomestep，ratherthanadmit（bynotproceeding）thatthechargewasgroundless。
　　Onsoslenderachancedidthemock—trialturn！
　　MrNortonalsopublishedtheopinionsandlettersofSirJohnBayleyatandafterthetrial；toprove，ashesaid，thatSirJohn’sopinionwasthenatvariancewiththeonerecentlyexpressedinmyfavour。SirJohnwasinScotlandwhenthissecondbatchofslandersappeared；Ithereforewrotetohim；and，afterbrieflycommenting，myself，onMrNorton’sfreshattack，Ire—printedthispublicdenialmadeatthetime，todisproveSirW。Follett’sshareinatransactionhehadexpresslydisclaimed。
　　Extractfromthe’Times’
　　ofJune25，1836。——
　　"TotheEditorofthe’Times。’
　　"Sir，——Havingseeninthe’Times’ofthismorningthattheactionof’Nortonv。LordMelbourne’wasadvised’bytheableanduprightcounselwhoconductedit，’wethinkitisduetoSirWilliamFolletttostatethattheactionwasNOTbroughtunderhisadvice；andthatalthoughhewasretainedsofarbackasthe25thofAprillast，theevidencewasnotincompletestateforPage127
　　hisbrieftobedeliveredtohimuntilthe14thofJuneinst。，andwhennocoursewasopentothepartiesbuttoproceedwiththetrialofthecause，whichhadbeenfixedforthepresentsittings。
　　"Weare，Sir，yourmostobedientservants，（Signed）"CURRIEandWOODGATE。
　　"Lincoln’sinn，June25，1836。"
　　SirJohnBayleyansweredmyappealtohim，asIhadhopedandexpected；hecameforwardandpubliclycontradicted，inhisownperson，thetissueofmis—statementsbywhichMrNortonsoughttocrushme；andIconsiderthatIowetothatmanlyandfrankupholding，theonlyapproachtojusticeIhaveeverbeenabletoobtain。Igivehisletter，asitappearedinthejournalsoftheday。
　　"TotheEditor。
　　"Sir，——AbsencefromLondon，andasevereprivatesorrow，havepreventedmysoonernoticingcertainletterswhichhavelatelyappearedinthepublicjournals，inwhichmynamehasbeenmostimproperlyintroducedbyMrNorton，whohasthoughtfittopublishhiscopyofacaselaidbeforemeformyopinion，in1836，andaletterofminetohissolicitor，dated9thJan，。1837。HepublishesthesedocumentstoprovethatmyopinionthenwasatvariancewithonewhichIhadmorerecentlyexpressed；namely，thathisconducttohiswife’hasbeenmarkedwiththegrossestcruelty，injustice，andinconsistency。’
　　IfMrNorton’sremarksonthealterationinmyopinionshadbeenmerelyintendedtoimpeachmyjudgment，Ishouldnothavecondescendedtonoticethem；butasheintendsthepublictoinferthatMrsNortonmaybeunworthyofthelateropinionwithcircumstanceshaveleadmetoform，andhehimselfundeservingofthecensureIpasseduponhisconducttowardsher，IconsiderIwouldbeactingthepartofacoward，ifIrefrainedfromcomingforwardtostatethetruth，howeverdisagreeablethisenforcedpublicitymaybe，——nay，mustbe，——toanymanwhohasmerelyendeavouredtodohisdutyfairlyandfearlessly，asagentlemanandamanofhonour，betweenpartiesutterlyunconnectedwithhim。
　　Page128
　　"IfMrNorton’sobjectinpublishingmyletterandopinionhadbeenthedevelopmentoftruth，hewouldnothaveleftunstated，factswhichclearlyaccountformychangeofopinion。Ashehasthoughtfittosuppressthesefacts，Iwillsupplythem。
　　"Whentheopinionofthe3rdOctober，1836，andtheletterofthe9thJanuary，1837，werewrittenbyme，Iwasactingashiscounsel；andonhisexpartestatements，inthefirmbeliefthateveryassertionhemadetomewastrueandcapableofproof，IwrotethatletterandIgavethatopinion。
　　"Sometimeintheyear1837，andsubsequentlytomylettertoMrCurrie，mypositionwaschanged。I
　　ceasedtobeMrNorton’scounsel，andallpreviousattemptsatreconciliationorarrangementbetweenhimandMrsNortonhavingfailed，I，atMrNorton’searnestsolicitation，tookuponmyselfthearduousandthanklessofficeofarbitrator，providingthatMrsNortonwouldpermitmetoactinthatcapacityonherbehalf。Ididnotexpectthatshewouldeverconsenttothis，fromthepositionIhadheldascounselforherhusband，andtheimpressionshenecessarilymusthaveentertainedthatIwasprejudicedagainsther。Toherhonourandcredit，however，sheatonceaccededtoMrNorton’srequest。Ireceivedbothfromherandherhusbandwrittenassurancesthattheywouldabidebymydecision，whateveritmightbe，andonthesetermsIenteredonmydifficulttask。Ithen，forthefirsttime，learntMrsNorton’ssideofthequestion。Ifound（notfromherassertions，butbydocumentaryproofsinherpossession）thatIhadbeenadvisingMrNorton，notonhisrealcase，butonaseriesofinventedfableswhichhehadstrungtogetherandconsultedmeupon。NearlyeverystatementhehadmadetometurnedouttobeUNTRUE。IfoundMrsNortonanxiousonlyononepoint，andnearlybroken—heartedaboutit；namely，therestorationofherchildren。Shetreatedherpecuniaryaffairsasamatterofperfectindifference，andleftmetoarrangethemwithMrNortonasIthoughtfit。Ifoundherhusband，onthecontrary，anxiousonlyaboutthepecuniarypartofthearrangement，andsoPage129
　　obviouslymakingtheloveofthemotherforheroffspringameansofbarterandbargain，thatIwrotetohimIcouldbe’nopartytoanyarrangementwhichmadeMoneythepriceofMrsNorton’sfairandhonourableaccesstoherchildren。’Ifoundhishistoryofherexpensesandextravagancestobeuntrue；andthatevenwhilehemadethatcomplaint，hehaddetainedallherwardrobe，jewellery，andbooks；inshort，everyarticleofherpersonalproperty，underthreatofsellingthem。Iadvisedthatthesethingsshouldbegivenup，butMrNortonwouldnotconsenttodoso。ItoldhimfranklyIdidnotthinkheoughtevertohaveretainedthem。IfoundMrsNortonhadofferedtopayherownbills，andthatMrNorton’ssolicitorhadreplied，thattherewasnoundertaking，evenifshedidpayherbills，thatherpropertywouldbereturnedtoher。Ifound，underMrNorton’sownhandwriting，confessionsofthegrossestpersonalviolencetowardshiswife，andthatononeoccasionhehadkickedthedrawing—roomdoorfromitshinges，anddraggedheroutoftheroombyforce——shebeingthenenceinteofheryoungestson。Iwrotetohimtosay，that，inspiteoftheseinjuries（supportedbytheclearestpossibleproofunderhisownhandwriting）IfoundMrsNorton’reasonable，’——’tractable，’——’veryforbearing，indeedinherexpressionstowardshim，’——anxioustosatisfyhim，’forthechildren’ssake；’writingtome，insteadofabusinghim，thatshedesired’heartily，vainly，andsorrowfully，tobeatpeacewiththechildren’sfather。’Ifoundthatthetakingawayofthosechildrenhadbeentherealgroundofquarrel，andthatnotonlyMrNortonthrewtheblameofthesubsequenttrialonhisadvisors，anddeclaredthatthetrialwasbrought’againsthisjudgment，’butthatoneofhisangriestgroundsofcomplaintagainsthiswifewas，thatshehadsaidshe’neverwouldreturntohim；’that，asheexpressedit，shedidnot’honestlyintendtoreturntohim，’whenheaskedher；thathissisterandotherfriendshadtoldhimso：inanswertowhichcomplaintIwrotehimword，thatMrsNortondidintendtohavereturned，butadmittedshehadsaidtohissister，"Itwouldbeforherchildren’sPage130
　　sake。’Ifound，evenwhilemakingthisangrycomplaint，andwhileendeavouringtocometoterms，heretainedcertainpocket—books，andMS。