while it explains the true motive of Lady Susan's conduct, & removes all the blame which has been so lavished on her, may also convince us how little the general report of any one ought to be credited,since no Character however upright, can escapethe malevolence of slander. If my Sister in the security of retirement, with as little opportunity asinclination to do Evil, could not avoid Censure, we must not rashly condemn those who livingin the World & surrounded with temptation, shouldbe accused of Errors which they are known to havethe power of committing. —

I blame myself severely for having soeasily beleived the scandalous tales invented by Charles Smith to the prejudice of Lady Susan, as I am now convinced how greatly they have traduced her.As to M^rs . Manwaring's jealousy, it was totally his own invention; & his account of her attaching