’I have changed my mind somewhat.  Considering the peculiar circumstances of the case, I could wish that the sacred veil of silence, so bravely thrown over the past, should never be withdrawn during the time that you remain with us.

   ’I would say, then, Leave all with some discreet friends, who, after
   both have passed from earth, shall say what was due to justice.

’I am led to think this by seeing how low, how unjust, how unworthy, the judgments of this world are; and I would not that what I so much respect, love, and revere should be placed within reach of its harpy claw, which pollutes what it touches.

’The day will yet come which will bring to light every hidden thing. 
“There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid that
shall not be known;” and so justice will not fail.

’Such, my dear friend, are my thoughts; different from what they were
since first I heard that strange, sad history.  Meanwhile, I love you
ever, whether we meet again on earth or not.

’Affectionately yours,

‘H.  B. S.’

The following letter will here be inserted as confirming a part of Lady Byron’s story:—­

TO THE EDITOR OF ‘MACMILLAN’S MAGAZINE.’

’SIR,—­I trust that you will hold me excused from any desire to be troublesome, or to rush into print.  Both these things are far from my wish.  But the publication of a book having for its object the vindication of Lord Byron’s character, and the subsequent appearance in your magazine of Mrs. Stowe’s article in defence of Lady Byron, having led to so much controversy in the various newspapers of the day, I feel constrained to put in a few words among the rest.

’My father was intimately acquainted with Lady Byron’s family for many years, both before and after her marriage; being, in fact, steward to Sir Ralph Milbanke at Seaham, where the marriage took place; and, from all my recollections of what he told me of the affair (and he used often to talk of it, up to the time of his death, eight years ago), I fully agree with Mrs. Stowe’s view of the case, and desire to add my humble testimony to the truth of what she has stated.

’Whilst Byron was staying at Seaham, previous to his marriage, he spent most of his time pistol-shooting in the plantations adjoining the hall, often making use of his glove as a mark; his servant being with him to load for him.

   ’When all was in readiness for the wedding-ceremony (which took place
   in the drawing-room of the hall), Byron had to be sought for in the
   grounds, where he was walking in his usual surly mood.