memorandaofMrsNorton’s，incase，ifthenegotiationwentoff，hemightfindinthesejournalssomethingonwhichtogroundsomeaccusationagainstherintheecclesiasticalorothercourts！IreadwithamazementtheseriesofletterswhichMrNortonhadpreviouslyaddressedtohiswife，andinwhichhesignshimself’Greenacre。’IshowedtheseletterstothelateLordWynford。Isaid，ifMrsNortonhadbeenmysister，Iwouldhavemadethempublic：andIconsidersheshowedforbearanceandconsiderationinnotmakingthempublic，whenMrNortonadvertisedherinthepapers。MrNortonadmittedtomehisfirmbeliefofhiswife’sinnocenceofthechargeshehadbroughtagainstherandLordMelbourne；andtheselettersofhis，expresslyexculpatedherfromallblame，andendearinglyentreatedhertoreturnandlivewithhimagain。Ithencertainlychangedmyopinion。
　　IthoughtMrNortonhaddonehiswifethemostcruelinjuryamancouldinflict，andthathewasboundtomakeeverysacrificeandreparationinhispower。Isawnoearthlyreasonwhyherchildrenshouldbewithheldfromher，andrequiredhimtowriteimmediatelytoScotland（wherethechildrenthenwere）tohavethemsenttoLondonforthwith。Inmypresenceandatmydictationhewrotealettertothateffect，andsealedit。I
　　posteditmyself，andthoughtallwassettled，asthesolestipulationmadebyMrsNortonwasthereturnofherchildren；butMrNortonwasbaseenoughtowriteasecondletter，unbeknownsttome，toforbidtheircoming；
　　andcometheydidnot。AssoonasIdiscoveredthisactoftreacheryandbreachoffaith，Ithrewupmyofficeofmediator。IremonstratedinseveretermswithMrNorton，andmyintercoursewithhimceased。ThequestionofMrsNorton’sallowancewasnotenteredupon，asmyinterferenceterminatedatthatpoint。Ideemit，however，thesimplestjusticetoMrsNortontosay，thatIfoundherfrankandstraightforwardthroughout：actingstrictlyuptothissentenceinherfirstlettertome——’Heartily，Page131
　　andasGodismyjudge，Idesiretomakewhatpeaceispossiblebetweenmeandmyhusband，inspiteofthepast。’Sheleftherinterestsentirelyinmyhands；threwnoobstacleinmypath；andneveronceswervedfromthepromisetoabidebywhatevertermsIshouldlaydown。WithMrNorton（thoughhehadappointedmetoact）Ifoundtheexactreverse。Heabusedhiswifeandhiswife’sfamily；heshuffledaboutthemis—statementshecouldnotdeny；hewouldbeboundneitherbyhisverbalpromisenorhiswrittenpledge；andafteracorrespondencebeganinNovember，anddidnotendtillJanuary，alleffortatarrangementwasgivenup。Onacalmreviewofthesecircumstances，itcanscarcelybewonderedat，thatIutterlychangedmyopinion，andthattheadviceIgavetothewriteroftheGreenacrelettersin1837wasnotthesameadviceIhadgiventothesupposedinjuredhusbandof1836。IgaveMrNorton，onthefancycasehesubmittedtocounsel，good，sound，honestadvice，tothebestofmyability；andIgavehimthelikeadvicewhenhisrealcasebecameknowntome。Ifhehadabidedbythatadvice，andbyhiswrittenpledge，thecuriosityoftheworldwouldnotnowbegratifiedbydetailsofhisprivateaffairs，whichhecompelsotherstopublishpiecemealfortheirownjustification。Iamsorry，forhissake，thatsuchpublicationevertookplace；andIamgladforMrsNorton’ssake；becauseIconsiderthereneverwasamoredeeply—injuredwoman，andthathisconducttohercertainlyhadbeenmarkedby’thegrossestcruelty，injustice，andinconsistency，’thateveranymandisplayed。MrNortonmayattackmewithimpunity；Ishallnotanswerhim；butIwillnotallowhimtopersuadethepublicthatthereisanyinconsistencyinanopinionformedonathoroughknowledgeofhiscase；whichopinion，nowthatallthecircumstancesofthatcasearemoregenerallyknown，hewill，Ithink，findtobeuniversal。
　　"13thSeptember，1853。"JOHN
　　BAYLEY。
　　"PhilorthHouse，Fraserburgh，N。B。"
　　Thisletterwasconsidered，whenitappeared，tobe"unanswerable"；butMrNorton’sstrugglewasnotyetover。OnPage132
　　the24thSeptember，——eightdaysafterSirJohnhadthusdeclaredthetruecircumstancesofouraffairs，——MrNortonreappearedinprint。
　　Hebeganbysaying，thathehad"delayedhisanswerforafewdays，andduringtheintervalconsultedcounseluponhispowertofileacriminalinformationagainstSirJohnBayley；butthatcourse（hewasadvised）wasnolongeropentohim，’inasmuchasallpartieshadalreadyresortedtothenewspapers。’"
　　Anylawyerwouldknowthisexcusetobeafalseone；andthatitwasperfectlycompetenttoMrNorton（ifhecouldhavedaredtheresult），totakeotherlegalmeasuresagainstSirJohnBayley。Decliningrefutationofthegeneralcharges，MrNortoncommentsonlyontwo；thebreakingopenofthedoors，andthesurreptitiousletterprivatelysent，contradictingthatwhichheaffectedtowriteandsendathisreferee’sdictation。Headmitsthatheburstthedoorsopen，callsita"frivolousquarrel；"andwiththatmaniaaboutmoneyandmoney’sworth，whichmakeshimdeemsuchexcusethebestjustificationhecouldinvent，——givestothepublic，asthereasonofthissceneofuproarandassault，thathiswifehadbought"expensivevelvets。"
　　HethenproceedstoSirJohn’s"chargeofbaseness，"——andasserts，——notthathedidnotactasstated，butthatSirJohndidnottellhimatthetime，thathewas"base；"
　　thattheycorrespondedafterwards：andthat，saysMrNorton：——
　　"Theperiodofmywithdrawingmyconfidencefrommysolelegaladviserafterthetrial，andasIfirmlybelievemyfriend，waswhenIfound，thathehadbecomecompletelyinfatuatedbyabeautifulandtalentedwoman，whoseperformanceofherpartofacontemplatedarrangementhepositivelyrefusedtoanswerfor，althoughheatthesametimeinsisteduponmyperformingmypart，andplacingmyselfathermercybywithdrawingmychildrenfromScotland。"
　　Myhusbandisfondofpayingmethemelancholycompliment，thattomypersonalcharms，andnottothejusticeofmyPage133
　　cause，Iowe，thatallconcernedinthesewretchedaffairs，takemypartagainsthim，assoonastheyhaveanyexplanationwithme。
　　Now，itwouldcertainlyhavebeenstrictlyprobablethatanyman，——especiallyamanofSirJohnBayley’snature；blunt，kindly，andvehement；——would，——onfindinginsteadofthepaintedwantonheexpectedtofind，preparedtostruggleforher"rights"andher"interests，"——amiserable，sobbing，wornoutyoungwoman，appealingtohimfornothingbutthemercyofgettingbackherchildren（thosedearchildren，thelossofwhosepatteringstepsandsweetoccasionalvoicesmadethesilenceofhernewhomeintolerableastheanguishofdeath），——Isayitismorethanprobable，thatbeingbutman，andnottheangelofjustice，hemighthaveleanedmostunfairly，unduly，andcompassionately，tothepersonwhosebittergrief，andsingle，simplestipulation，cameuponhimbysurprise；andthatso，hemightnothavedealtasimpartially，asgoodfaithwithMrNortonrequired。
　　Ithankheavenitwasnotso。Thisassertionmustwithdrawandtakeitsrankamongallmyhusband’sotherassertions。Tonoweakleaningofanyman，buttothesympathyofatrueandgentlewoman，IoweanyfurthernegotiationwithMrNortonafterthatsurreptitiousletterwassent。
　　SirJohndidtellhim，intheinterviewtheyhadonthesubject，howbaseheconsideredhisconduct；anddismissedhimwithsuchviolentandcontemptuousreproaches，thatallacquaintanceappearedendedbetweenthem。Then，inmydespair，learningthewondroustreacheryofthedoublepartMrNortonhadplayed，andtheendofallmyhopesaboutmychildren，SirJohnBayley’sWIFEtookpityuponme。Shedidnotknowme：Iwastoher，nothingbutaslanderedstranger：butshecametoseemeandcomfortme。Pure—hearted，high—minded，andherselfamother，——shestrovetostandbetweenmeandmybitterdisappointment。SHEdid，whatherhusbandwastoofullofjustangerandscorntodo，——SHEwrotetoMrNorton，——SHEpleadedforthosechildren，——Page134
　　whodidnotlivewithhim，whowerenopleasuretohim，whoweremerelyhisimprisonedhostagesforpower；SHEdugforpityinthatsterileheart；andwrote，andstrove，andwastedkindnessandtimeformysake。MrNortonavailedhimselfofherinterference，torenewthecorrespondence，——Ihavehisanswerstoallthoseletters，——andhisbitterestcomplaintis，thatIhadsaid"Iwouldnotreturntohim！"
　　SirJohnBayleyrefusedtonoticeMrNorton’scommentsonhispublishedletter；ortheseandotherfactsmighthavebeenstated。Hescornedtoreplytothetauntsshowereduponhimforventuringtomakethetruthknown；tauntssobitter，thatitwouldseemasif，insteadofanEnglishgentlemanactingasreferee，hehadbeenaRomanCatholicpriestbreakingthesealoftheconfession，oranaccompliceturningKing’sevidence。TobeKNOWN，is，withMrNorton，synonymouswithbeingBETRAYED。Tobugbearofhislifeistheterriblemoto，"MagnaestVeritas，etprevalebit！"SirJohnhadnorighttoruinhischaracter，——andhischaracterwasruinedinproportionashisconductwasmadepublic。AndthisbringsmetocertainpassagesinMrNorton’spublishedletter，respectingLordAbinger；containing，I
　　think，asstrangeaboastofprotectionaseverwasmadebyanEnglishmagistrate，withrespecttoanEnglishjudge。SirJohnBayleyhadbeensubpoenaedaswitnessin1838，byoneofmycreditors；afterhavingbecomeacquaintedasreferee，withtherealcircumstancesofourstory：andthisisMrNorton’sprintedboast；takenfromthe’Times’newspaperofthe24thSeptember，1853：
　　"LordAbinger，whotriedthecause，uponasuggestionofmycounsel"（SirFitzroyKelly），"thatSirJohnBayleyhadbeenmyadvocateandreferee，REFUSEDTOHEARHIS
　　EVIDENCE。"
　　"LordAbinger，inhissummingup，alludingtooneofthelettersthenproduced，says，’HowthatbearsuponthepresentcaseIreallycannotsee。Imyselfmustsay，asagentleman，Idonotthinkthatletteroughttohavebeenputinevidence。’"
　　Page135
　　Andfinally，MrNortontermshisquondamcounselandreferee——
　　"Thatadvocate，whooughttohavelearnthisdutybyhavingbeenREJECTEDbyLordAbinger，asawitnessinaCourtofLaw，inrespectoftheverymatterswhichinapervertedstatehenowmakeshimselfapartytopublish。"
　　Ibegtheattentionofmyreaderstothecircumstancesprecedingthatrejectionofevidence。Whentheletterssigned"Greenacre，"andothers，wereshownbySirJohnBayleytoLordWynford，thelatterexpressedhimselfinthestrongestandmostcontemptuoustermswithrespecttohisformerward；andfinally——fortheexpresspurposeofbeingshowntoMrNorton，——hewrotethefollowingnote；
　　theoriginalofwhichisinmypossession。
　　"MyDearBayley，"Ihavebeenthinkingofthecorrespondenceyoureadtomethismorning。IamconvincedthatGeorgeNortoncanhavenodefencetotheactions，andthathisdefendingofthemwillbeattendedWITHLOSSOFCHARACTER，aswellasgreatexpense。
　　Heshouldagreetothearrangementthatyoupropose，oranyotherthatcanbemade。IwillwritetoGrantleytotellhimthatIhaveadvisedasettlementonANYterms。
　　"Faithfullyyours，"WYNFORD。
　　"Leesons，December20，1837。"
　　HerethenisMrNorton，armedwiththeknowledgeofLordWynford’sopinion，thattheproductionoftheevidenceSirJohnBayleycouldgive，wouldbeattendedwith"lossofcharacter，"andprovefataltohisdefence。LordWynford’sadvicewastosurrenderatdiscretion。"Don’tattempttodefendtheactions；theevidencewillruinyou。"ButMrNorton（himselfbroughtuptothelaw）thoughtdifferently。
　　"Defendtheactions；theevidencethatwouldruinyoucanbesuppressed。"
　　TwooftheablestmentheEnglishbarcouldboast——LordAbingerandSirFitzroyKelly——mightsurelysteerhimPage136
　　pastthatdreadfulshoal，withthisoneskilfulstrokeoftheoar！SoHopewhispered；andsotheeventproved。LordAbinger"refused"
　　theevidencewhichLordWynfordhadwarnedLordGrantleywouldbefatal。
　　LordAbinger"rejectedtheadvocate，"whosedangeroustestimonywastoturnthescales。Lettheforeigners，whosemethodsofjurisprudencewecriticise，readwhatcanhappeninanEnglishCourtofJustice——andbeboastedofafterwardsbyanEnglishMagistrate！
　　SirFitzroyKelly（who，fortheusehethenmadeofhisskillandeloquence，mayplead，likeMrNeedham，andthedefenderoftheburglarycase，*
　　dutytohisclientand"licenceofthebar"）representedMrNortoninpatheticterms，asahigh—mindedandexcellentman，whoseextravagantandprofligatewifewasendeavouringtoruinhimbyasuccessionofluxuriousdebts；awifeutterlyunworthy；thoughtheverdict，inthetrialagainstLordMelbourne，leftherstillwithsomelegalclaimsonthatinjuredanddeceivedhusband，whovainlystrove，withmingledeconomyandgenerosity，toprovideforherandhischildren！
　　Theinstanceherereferredtoisaremarkableillustrationofwhatlawyersthinkpermittedtothemasadvocates。Igivethecasefromabriefnoteinoneofthepapersoftheday：——
　　"THEMORALITYOFTHEBAR。"
　　——IntheCentralCriminalCourt，onMonday，amannamedJohnRichards，agedtwenty—two，wasindictedforfeloniouslybreakingandenteringthedwelling—houseofJohnCrossley，withintenttostealhisgoods。Theprisonerwasseentoloiteraboutthehouse，andtoopenthedoorwithalatchkey。
　　Analarmwasinstantlygiven，sothathehadnoopportunitytotakeanything；
　　andhewastrackedandfoundinthebedroomofalady—lodger。Onbeingaskedtoaccountforhisbeinginthehouse，hesaidthatheexpectedtomeetagentleman。MrSleigh（wequotethewordsofthereport），inhisaddresstothejuryfortheprisoner，insinuatedthathehadgoneintotheroombyappointmentwiththeladywhowastheoccupierofit；andonthatgroundhecalleduponthemtoacquithim。TheRecorder，inhischarge，toldthejurythattheredidnotappearinevidencetheslightestfoundationforsuchanimputation；andtheverdictofguiltywasatoncepronounced。
　　Acertificateofaformerconvictionforfelonywasthenputin，whereupon"MrSleighintimatedthat，ifhehadbeenawareoftheexistenceofapreviousconviction，heshouldnothavesuggestedthedefencehedidtothejury。"
　　TheRecorderexpressedhisopinionthatthedefencewasmostunjustifiable。
　　Theprisonersaid"itwasnotsuggestedinhisbrief。"MrSleighadmittedthatthedefencewasnotsuggestedtohiminhisbrief，butsaidthatitoccurredtohimasalegitimateonetooffertothejuryuponthefactsofthecase！
　　Page137
　　TocontradictthisRomanceoftheBar，therewasintheCourt，atthathour，agentlemanofunimpeachableintegrity，subpoenaedtogivetestimonyONOATH，bythecreditorwhowassuingforhisdebt。HecouldhaveprovedallthatLordWynforddreaded——allthathassincebeendeclaredinSirJohnBayley’slettertotheTimes；andhadhebeenpermittedtospeak，theverdictmust，accordingtoLordWynford，havegoneagainstMrNorton，withtheadditionof"lossofcharacterandgreatexpense。"SirFitzroyKellysettledthematter。HisexperiencedskillsavedMrNorton。Heknewthatitiseasiertosuppressevidencethantorefuteit；andonhissuggestion（asMrNortonhasnowpublishedtotheworld），LordAbingerdecidedwhattodo。HesimplyrefusedtohearanythingSirJohnBayleyhadtosay！Thatthisdecisionwasoptional，andnottheresultofalegalnecessity，wemaysafelypresume；sinceLordWynforddidnotanticipatesuchadifficulty；
　　buthadadvised"asettlementonanyterms"ratherthanruntheriskoftheactions。Thatriskwastriumphantlyavoided，bytherefusalofanEnglishjudge，inopenCourt，toreceivesworntestimonyinbehalfofapartyunjustlyaccusedandnotrepresentedbyCounsel！TheresultwasaverdictforMrNorton；andhewassatisfied。
　　ButIwasnotsatisfied。
　　Inaturallysaidtomyself，"Hereisthetruthsuppressed，andevidencerefusedwhichwouldhavedecidedthecasepreciselytheotherway；IhaveitonLordWynford’sauthority。HeadvisedMrNortontoyield，tosavehimfromexposure；theseotherlawyershavesavedhimfromexposurebyasuperiortrickofskill。Itseemsthen，thatheistobeprotectedatallhazards。WHY？Cananyonebelievethatnothingmoreisatstakethanasimpleadmissionofliabilityforawife’sdebts，whensuchstrangemeansareresortedto？LordWynford，inspiteofhisdenial——oftheDukeofCumberland’sdenial——inspiteofhisrepudiationofMrNortonandhisconcerns——wasneverthelessthepersonPage138
　　appointedimmediatelyafterthetrialtodiscussterms。LordWynfordonMrNorton’sbehalf，andnoother，metDrLushingtononmybehalf，assoonastheactionagainstLordMelbournewasover！ArewetobelievethathesuddenlyrenewedhisintimacywithMrNortononlyforthepurposeofrenderinghimthatservice？Now，hereweretwomoreofthechiefmenoftheToryparty，contriving（bytherefusalofswornevidence）thattheaccuseroftheWhigPremiershouldescapescot—freefromtheimminentperilofourrealstorybecomingknown。SirFitzroyKellyiscounsel，andLordAbingerisjudge——LordAbinger，whobeganlifeasaWhig，warmedintoaconvert—Tory，andonwhom（duringthebriefmomentLordMelbournehadbeenoustedtomakewayforthePeel—Wellingtoncabinet）somanyToryfavourshadbeenshowered。WhatwasItothink？Memoirsenoughhavebeenlatelyeditedandpublishedbyministersandthesonsofministers，toshowtheunder—currentofrelationinwhichpublicmenmaystandtoeachanother。
　　Ifsucharethejealousiesandanimositiesof"friends，"whatmaynotbeexpectedfrom"foes？"UnforgottenbymewereLordMelbourne’sownwords：——"Youtaketheseslightstoyourself；buttheyarenotputuponYOU。"
　　Myjustificationorcondemnation，personally，wasasnothing。Butfatal（notonlytoMrNorton）wouldthatsworntestimonyhavebeen，whichprovedthattheplaintiffintheactionagainstLordMelbournehaddeclaredthatitwastheworkofOTHERS；thatitwasagainsthisjudgment；thatheutterlydisbelievedtheaccusationitinvolved；thathehadentreatedhiswifetoforgiveit；toreturntoherhome；andhadputforwardasoneofhisbitterestcomplaints，thatshesaidsheneverwouldlivewithhimagain！ThatevidencewasSUPPRESSED。ButItellMrNorton，onthisprintedpage，thathehimselfdoesnotknowbywhatadoublechancetheriskofexposurewasavoided；thatevenLordAbinger’sprotectionwouldhavefailedtoshelterhim，whenIangrilyresolved（asIdid）topublishthenthewholeaccountofourcase，andleavehimtohisremedy；
　　butthatLordPage139
　　Melbournedissuadedmefromdoingso。Itsohappenedthatthispettycause，——pleadedbySirFitzroyKelly，anddecidedbyLordAbinger；
　　inwhichnothingmoreimportantthanawoman’sfameandawoman’sinterestswereatstake，——wastriedattheexactmoment（June，1838），when，inthefirstyearofayoungQueen’sreign，theWhiggovernmentwasoverwhelmedwithbusiness，evenmoretroublesomethanthatwhichthecaresofofficeusuallyinvolve。Whatwasmypoordestiny，inasessioninwhich，acoinageandacoronation——therevoltsinCanada——theattempttorepealthecorn—laws——theconductofO’Connell——theKingofHanover’sclaimforhisEnglishincome——theIrishChurchBill——thefirstgeneralarrangementofmailsbyrailroad——thevisitofMarshalSoult——thecreationofanewbatchofPeers——thepassingoftheIrishpoor—law——andahundredothersubjectsofvaryingimportance，employedLordMelbourne’sattention？Whatcouldmysobbing，moaning，andcomplainingbe，butabore，tothismanwhowasnotmylover？Whatcouldmypassionateprintedjustificationbe，butaplagueandembarrassment，tohim，alreadyjustified，andatthepinnacleoffortune？LetnoonesayLordMelbourne’sfamilyshouldnotholdmeinkindremembrance：
　　forthen，——young，childless，defamed，sorrowful，andrash，——thereneverwasthedaythatIdidnotadmithisdestinytobetheonethingthoughtof；thereneverwasthedaythatIrebelledagainsthisadvice，orgavehimannoyancethatIcouldpossiblyavoid。Ididnotevenpersist——"thiscanonlybeatemporaryembarrassmentbyrevivalofpainfulgossiptoyou；
　　itismylife——myfuture——thestrongesttemptationofmyhearttojustifymyself。"Ilistenedthen，asatothertimes，totheever—readyargument，thatIwouldbejustifiedwithoutthesemeans；thattheywouldbebeyondmeasurevexatiousandembarrassingtohim；thatImight"restassured，"thatnopatienceIshewedhimwouldbeforgotten，eitherbyhim，orthoseabovehim。IgaveupwhatIhadprepared（thoughitwouldhavebeenaseasyformetoproveallbySirJohnBayley’sandPage140
　　othertestimony，then，asinthispresentyear），andnothingwaspublishedbutafeebleanonymousdenial，inamorningpaper，ofthegeneralthreadofSirFitzroyKelly’sremarks；givingtwoorthreelettersfromthesolicitorsonbothsides，witheventhosenamesleftblank！
　　MrNortonmaysay，thatsincethatoccasionofdesperateresolve——Ihavebeenfrequentlyonfriendlytermswithhim。ThatchargeIwillnotrefute。Iambutawoman，andnotevenaveryresolutewoman。Myhusbandiswelcometothetriumphofknowing，that，throughthelongyearsofourseparation（especiallyduringthefirstfouryearsofourseparation），Iwaveredandwept；thatprideandbitterangerhavenotalwaysbeenuppermost；thattherehavebeenhundredsofdrearyevenings，andhopelessmornings，whenevenhishomeseemedtomebetterthannohome——evenhisprotectionbetterthannoprotection——andallthethornsthatcancumberawoman’snaturaldestiny，betterthantheunnaturalpositionofaseparatedwife。Heiswelcometothetriumphofknowing，thatitisimpossibletohavefeltmorekeenlythanIdid，theconfuseddegradationofthatposition；notinthesocietywhereIamreceived（leastthere，becausetheremystorywasbestknown），butinotherclasses，whichIhavesaidIdonotlessrespect。Iwastoounlikehispictureofme，tobeotherwisethanoftenmiserable；oftenwillingtomakearaftoutofthewreck，andsodriftback，eventoacomfortlesshaven。Thereweremoments，too，whenIpitiedhim；whenIbelievedhisstoryoflonelinessandrepentance；andforgavewithoutreservation，asIhadforgivenbefore。Thereweretimesoffamilydeaths；andtimeswhen，——asherepresentsinhiscruelletter，——wemetbythesick—bedofadearson，whenIthoughtlittleofmyselfandmyownwrongs，andyearnedtomaketheirliveshappierwhoowedtheirexistencetothisbrokenmarriage。ItisquitetruethatIwouldsometimeswillinglyhavereturnedtomyhusband；thatmysondesiredit；andtillthatdayintheCountyCourt，friendlinessofsomesort（ifnotthatreturn）remainedpossibleandwelcome。
　　Page141
　　Butonthatday，whenincoldbloodforthesakeofmoney，MrNortonrepeatedthatwhichheknewtobefalse；thewatersofMarah，bywhichhesoughttowhelmmysoul，madethegreatgulfthatshalldivideusforever！Inthatday，whenhemetmefacetoface，shiveringwiththefrenzyofmingledanger，shame，andfear，（whichhesneeredatas"acting；"）——inthatlittlecourt，whereIstoodapparentlyhelpless，mortified，anddegraded——inthatbitterestofmanybitterhoursinmylife，——Ijudgedandsentencedhim。IannulledtheskillofhisTorylawyer’ssuggestiontoaToryjudge。Iover—ruledthedecisionofLordAbinger，inthatobscureandforgottencause，whichupheldhimagainstjustice。IsentencedMrNortontobeKNOWN；whichhejustlyconsidersasthedeepestcondemnation。Allsecresy——allforbearance——wereover，withhisfalsedefence。ThoughIcertainlydidnotanticipatethatinadditiontotheindecentabuseofthedead，andofallfamilyties，hewould，inhisrecklessangeragainstSirJohnBayley，himselfruinhisowncause，byshowingthewayinwhichithadbeenprotected——andslurtheveryfriendswhohadprotectedhim，byhisrevelations！"Whatyoustatemaybetrue；butsixteenyearsago，LordAbingerdecidedthatyoushouldnevermakeitknown。"ThatistheabridgementofMrNorton’stauntstoSirJohnBayley！
　　AndhereIpausetocommentonMrNorton’sangrydeprecationofthemeansbywhichthesethingsarenotonlymadeknown，butprovedbeyondthepossibilityofdoubt。Hesays，thatneitherSirJohnBayley，norevenI，（whoamthesuffererforlifebyhisduplicity），haveanyrighttoshowtherealtruthbyreferencetohis"privateletters。"Whynot？Cantherebeagreaterclimaxofabsurdity，thanthatanymanshouldcomeforwardandsay："Thisismyprintedpublishedlie；butshallnotcontradictitwithmyprivateletters；formylieispublic，butmylettersareconfidential。Youshallforeverholdtheproof，butneveruseit：theopennessofanextremepublicityistoattendwhatIsay；butthemostpro—Page142
　　foundsecrecyistobeobservedwithrespecttowhatIhavedone。"
　　Truly"thereisbutonestepfromthesublimetotheridiculous；"andtheargumentwhichhasdignityinit，（thatprivateconfidenceshouldnotbebroken），sinksintotheburlesque，whenitsreasoningsequelmustbe，——"becausetherebytheTRUTHwillberevealed，tomydiscredit。"
　　Theseletters——ofamerereferencetowhichMrNortoncomplainssobitterly；thecontentsofwhichLordWynfordconsideredwouldruinhischaracter；theexplanationofwhichLordAbingerprevented，byrefusalofevidence，——risebeforeMrNorton，thespectre—witnessesofpastwrong！Theyaremyjustification。Inthisyearof1853，myhusbandaffectstobelievetheslandersof1836。IsSirJohnBayley，onmyearnestappeal，nottobepermittedtosay，"Isawthoseletterssigned’Greenacre，’writtenbyMrNortontothewifehenowmaligns；
　　Imyselfreceivedhisdeclaration，thathedisbelievedthefactsstatedonthetrail？"Cantherebemoreabsurdlanguageheldbyonegentlemantoanother，thanthestrangerebuke：——"Besilent——youhavenorighttospeak；foryouweremy’referee。’Ichoosetogullthepublicwithafalsestory——youshallnotshowtherealstory——LordAbingerprotectedmefromyouoncebefore——Idependonthetruthneverbeingrevealed，andIconsideryouareatraitorforrevealingit。"
　　IfSirJohnBayleybeatraitortoMrNorton，manyothergentlemenmustsharethattitle。SirJohnisnottheonlypersonwhohasplacedlettersfromMrNortoninmyhands；
　　norishetheonlypersonwhowroteinstrongcondemnationofhisconduct。
　　MrNortonpersists，thatthosewhohaveblamedhim，weredeludedbymeintothatopinion。Thisisapoorcompliment，eithertotheunderstandingorprincipleofthefriendswhofromtimetotimehavebeenconcernedinthesemiserableaffairs。Inthatdeludedgroupmuststand，LordHarrington，MrEdwardEllice，SirJamesGraham，SirFrederickThesiger，MrBarlow，SirJohnBayley，andPage143
　　MrNorton’scolleague，MrHardwicke；ofthesegentlemen，nolessthanfive，havegivenupone，orseveral，ofMrNorton’s"privateletters。"
　　Apparentlyallfeltthattheextraordinarycircumstancesofthecasejustifiedextraordinarymeasures；allconsideredthattheywereauthorizedtoprovethetruth，byexposureofMrNorton’sinaccuracies。Theletterssogivenup，havebeeninmypossessionforaperiodvaryingfromtentosixteenyears；andIhavenevermadeanyuseofthemtilltheseproceedingsintheCountyCourt。Willothers，readingthesepages，beabletosayasmuch？Willtheybeabletosay，theyboreforsixteenyearseveryspeciesofmisconstruction，vexation，andslander，withsuchproofintheirhands——andneverusedit？Isthereanylawyer，clergyman，officer，politicalormercantileman，intowhosehandschancemaythrowthesepages，whowouldbearlossofcharacteraspatiently？WhyshouldIbearitonlybecauseIamawoman？Inwhatwayisitmoreadvantageoustopublicmorality，thattheFalseAccusershouldbeshieldedbyperpetualsuppressionofevidence；
　　andshamebelefttorest，notonlyonmyname，butonthenameofadistinguishednobleman，atrueservantoftheCrown，andPrimeMinisterofagreatandfreecountry？MrNortoncomesforward（inhiscapacityofMAGISTRATE），andheaccusesthisdeceasedMinister，notonlyofprivateimmoralityasaman，butofthemeanestmalversationinhispublicoffice。HeaccusesLordMelbourne，insomanywords——inthe’Times’newspaper——ofgivingoneofthesubordinatepositionsintheTreasury，"asareward"forthesubtractionfromMrNorton’shouse，ofletterswrittentoMrNorton’swife！Isthistobeborne，fromanyman；leastofallfromaman，who，himselfholdsanofficebyLordMelbourne’sappointment？
　　Atthebeginningofthissession，idlerumoursandunjustaspersions，respectingtheinterferenceofPrinceAlbertwithpublicaffairs，foundtheirwayfromconversationalgossipintoprint，andweremadeasubjectofdiscussionbyvariousorgansPage144
　　ofthepress。WhenParliamentmet，themostdirectcontradiction，theclearestdisproof，themostloftyandresolutedefence，shatteredthisattempttorenderunpopular，aPrinceforwhomEnglandhaseveryreasontofeelbothrespectandgratitude。Onthatoccasion，LordMelbourne’snamewasbroughtprominentlyforward。LordAberdeenintheHouseofLords，andLordJohnRussellintheHouseofCommons，readaloud，toeagerandattentivemembers，abrieffranknote，writtenbythatdeceasedministertotheQueen，expressiveofhisfavourableopinionofthediscretion，ability，andexcellence，ofherRoyalConsort；andoftheguaranteethosequalitiesgave，ofsafeandintelligentguidance，ofpureandirreproachablemotives，inalladvicethatmightbetenderedtothecrownedRulerofEngland。Itcouldnotbeotherwisethanaproudandtouchingthought，tothosewholovedandrememberedLordMelbourneinlife；thatevenafterhisdeath，——pastthesilenceofthegraveandthesemi—oblivionofaclosedcareer，——hiswordsstillhadpowerpubliclytoservehisSovereign，onasubjectnearesttoherheart。Hisletterwasheldtobeofsufficientauthority，todefinetheposition，anddeclarethecharacter，oftheConsortoftheSovereign。
　　Whatgavethosewordstheirvalue？Theprofoundconvictioninthosewholistened，thatLordMelbournehadwrittenpreciselywhathethought。
　　Thatwiththecapacityofjudging，hejoinedtheconscienceofthejudge；
　　thatinthesincerityofanhonestheart，andnotforintrigueorCourtfavour，hepennedthoselines。Hissurvivinginfluence，wasintheundoubtingbeliefthathehadbeenfrank，true，andloyal，——asminister，statesman，andcounsellor：fromthehourwhen，withtheraysofamorningsuninJuneshiningbrightonhergoldenhair，mensawVictoriamountthestepsofherhereditarythrone，leaningonhishand；tothatinwhich，havingfadedoutoflifeinthelingeringseclusionofillness，——nolongerthebusystatesman，butthehelplessfriend，——newswasbroughttothePalace，inthegloomofaNovemberday，thathewasPage145
　　DEAD，whosevoicefirsthailedheraccession；hewasdead，whosecounsels，whilehewasabletogivethem，neverwaveredforthesakeofselfishambition，norswervedbeneaththerivalryoffaction；butkeptthecompasstruetoasinglestar，——DUTYtohiscountryandhisQueen。
　　Isayitwasthefirmtrustinhishonour，thatalonegaveLordMelbourne’sletterpower：withoutwhichreliancethoseacclamationsofaBritishParliamentmustbeconsideredmoresenselessthantheriotofschoolboyapplause。Yetthisminister，sotrustedforwisdomandforhonesty，——thisauthorityinmattersofthedeepestmomentofEngland’swelfare——isthesamemanwhomoneofyourmetropolitanmagistrateshasaccusedofthemostwondrousbaseness：andthesamepenthatdefameshim，defamesme。Arethoseslandersbelievedordisbelieved？
　　Ifbelieved，whereistheconfidenceandenthusiasmofthatburstofcheering，thatspoketrustintheminister，andrespectforhismemory？Ifdisbelieved，whereisMYshame？WhyamIhuntedandhauntedthroughlifewithascandal，involvingtwopersons，butseeminglyadmittingofbutoneacquittal？
　　Ifthestoryhadbeentrue，andpalliationwerepossibleforthesin，thepalliationmightratherseemtobeonthesideoftheweakerparty。Butitwasnottrue。Hesaiditwasfalse。Isayitwasfalse。Icannotcomedownandread，amidcheersandacclamation，hislettersforme：
　　butwhatthen？AmItobelievethatIamtooinsignificant——thatanyoneinEnglandistooinsignificantforjustice？Isitonlyforprincesandpoliticiansthatdefencecanavail？Isjustificationanappanageofposition，andendurancemeasuredbydegreesinHerald’soffice？Ihopenot。Ithinknot——ifthisisEngland，asEnglandboastsherselftobe。
　　Isayagain，——Idonotpetitionforsympathy；IclaimJUSTICE。Ifevenmydefenceoffend，——blametheLAW。IftheLawofDivorceweredifferentlyconstituted，thescandalnevercouldhavetakenplace，ofatrialagainstthePremierofEngland，whichthatministeraffirmedhebelievedtobePage146
　　broughtfromapecuniaryadvantage，andtobesupportedbysubornedwitnesses。Ifthelawsofprotectionforwomenweredifferentlyconstituted，thestruggleaboutabrokencontractcouldnothavetakenplace。Iftheabsurdanomaliesinthelawwhichregulateclaimsonthehusbanddidnotexist，MrNortoncouldnothavesubpoenaedmypublishersintheCountyCourt，toannulmyrighteventomyownsoulandbrains。Hadtherebeennosuchproceedings，——insteadofthispamphlet，theworkIwasoccupieduponwouldhaveappeared；harmlesslytoamusethosewhohadleisuretoreadit。Igivethem，inlieuofsuchawork，this"StoryofRealLife；"
　　takingplaceamongtheEnglisharistocracy；withperfectimpunityonthepartofthewrongdoer！IinviteMrNortontodisproveit。Hecannot。Ifhehadmerelybeenunfaithful，Iwouldhaveforgivenit。Ifhehadmerelydefraudedme，Iwouldhaveconfinedmyselftotheformalstruggleagainstthatfraud；buthehaspubliclyLIBELLEDme；andagainstthatpubliclibel，repeatedafteranintervalofsixteenyears，Iwillmakemyfinalstand。Itisnotinhumannaturetobear，withoutthedeepestresentment，thelastattackmadeonme。Idofeelthedeepestresentment；
　　andIconsiderthisespecialtime，whenthemarriagelawsaresaidtobeunderconsideration，afitopportunityforshowingwhatcanbedoneunderthelawsastheyare。Whetherthoselawsareamendedornot，henceforththosewhomalignme，willdosointhefaceofprovedevidenceagainstthem：——henceforththosewhohavelovedandupheldme，shallnotmerelysay，——"Webelievedher，"——butshallbeabletoassert，——"thesearethefacts：andonthese，weupheldher！"
　　MrPhillimore，inabillbroughtforwardthissession，foraverydifferentlegalimprovement，*
　　observedthattheobjectofthebillwas"towithdrawfromthesphereofprivateanimosity，caprice，andrevenge，thatwhichneveroughttobelefttoprivateTheestablishmentofaPublicProsecutor。Page147
　　animosity，caprice，andrevenge；andtoseethatjusticewasproperlyadministered。"Thereisnoquestionthattheprincipleisasoundoneforalllegalcontrol；andthereisnoreasonwhysuchcontrolshouldbeinabeyanceforoneparticularclassofpersons，orclassofcases。
　　Thelawcompelsthepoormantoberesponsibletothecommunityatlarge，forthemaltreatmentofhiswife；byanewlaw（thenecessityforwhichhasbeenabundantlyprovedbythedailypolicereports）。Whyshoulditseemgrievousandshockingtomakenewlawsofrestraintforgentlemenaswellasforpoormen？Wehaveanidol；ouridolistraditionarycustom；
　　andgreatisthatDianaoftheBritons！Ifwemakelegalchanges，itisrarethatwemakethemboldly。Weseldomsupersede。Weaddandwetakeaway。Refusingtoreform，weendeavourtocompelmentoholdthatsacred，beingimperfect——which，reformedandprotected，wouldbeheldsacredwithoutanycompulsionatall。Itisnotauthoritythatoffends；butanomaly；apatch—workintheraimentofJustice，sothatwhenmenwouldclingtoherrobeitgiveswayintheirhand。Now，ifthereisonelawmenaremorejealousofalteringthananother，itisthelawbetweenhusbandandwife；
　　yetsurely，thepowerofprotectionistheproudestprivilegeofsuperiority；
　　andinthesemodernandenlighteneddays，thatprivilegemaybebetterdefined，thaninthephraseologyoftheancientlawofBaronandFeme，whichIhaveseenthusnaivelylaiddown——"NowtheBaronshallhaveremedieagainstonethatbeatethhisFeme——forsheishisCHATTEL。"
　　Theamountofanomalyinthelawonthissubjectisstartling；butIconfinemyselftothenoticeofpointsaffectingpositionslikemyown。
　　Wewilltakethen，first，thelawastomarriage，anddivorce。
　　TheRomanCatholicshaveoneclearunvaryingruleonthissubject。Theymakemarriageasacrament。
　　TheyhavelawsPage148
　　thatapplytocasesofdispute，——"separationdecorpsetdebiens，"——provisionforthewife，——awardastochildren，——butthemarriageitselfissimplyindissoluble；lasting，asthewordsoftheChurchceremonyimply，"tillDEATHdouspart。"
　　Wedonotmakemarriageasacrament。Itisdifficulttosaywhatweholdittobe。LordHardwicke’sMarriageAct，of1754，declarednull，allmarriagesnotcelebratedbyapriestinorders：andmadeitindispensablethattheceremonyshouldtakeplaceinsomeparishchurch，orpublicchapel，unlessbyspeciallicencefromtheArchbishopofCanterbury。LordJohnRussell’sAct，of1836，permitspersons，onthecontrary，tobemarriedaccordingtoanyformtheychoose；
　　notsacerdotally；merelybyrepairingtotheRegistrar，andgivingcertainnotices，andprocuringcertaincertificates；soastoacquirearighttohavetheceremonyperformedinplacesregisteredandappropriatedforthepurpose。Marriage，therefore，inEngland，isareligiousceremonyoramerecivilcontract，atthepleasureoftheparties：thusmeetingtherequisitionsofallsectsoftheProtestantChurch。Itisbesides，——practically，——asacramentforthepoor，andacivilcontractfortherich：astherichbreakitbyapplicationtoParliament；andthepoorareputfrequentlyontheirtrialforbigamy，fromnotbeingabletogothroughthatexpensiveform。Itis，——practically，——asacramentforthewife，andacivilcontractforthehusband；thehusbandcanbreakitalmostasamatterofcourse，onproofofthewife’sinfidelity；thewife，thoughnominallyabletoapplyforadivorce，seldomoreverobtainsone。IbelievetherearebutthreecasesonrecordintheHouseofLords，ofmarriagesbrokeonthewife’spetition。
　　ThelawinScotlandandthelawinEnglandareutterlydifferent。InScotland，therightofthewifetodivorceisequaltothatofthehusband；andaScotchladyinScotlandcandivorceherhusbandavinculo，soastomarryagain。Itisnotorious，thattheheadsoftwoofournoblestfamiliesmadearesidenceinScotlandthepreliminaryofadivorceofthisnature，Page149
　　whichsetbothpartiesfree；proceedingsbeingtaken，inoneoftheinstances，bythewifeagainstthehusband。
　　InScotland，marriagelegitimatizeschildrenbornbeforewedlock：itdoesnotdolegitimatizetheminEngland：
　　sothatthesameman，——inheritingpropertyinbothcountries，——wouldsucceedasheirtohisfather，northoftheTweed，andbedebarredasabastard，southofthatboundary。InScotland，ameredeclarationofmarriagebeforewitnesses，themereaddressingaletterasiftoawife，washeldsufficienttoestablishamarriage：andhencethoserapidflightstoGretna，whichpuzzleforeigners：GretnanotbeingofitselfacitysacredtoHymen，butthenearestvillageacrosstheboundaryofEngland，thatcouldbereachedbyenamouredcouples。Thepartiesweremade"one"byDavidPaisley，ablacksmithbytrade。Hekeptnoregularregistry。JohnLinton，thelandlordofGretnaHall，succeededDavidPaisley。Hekeptnoexactregistry，butrememberedtheelopementofLordErskine（afterwardsLordChancellor），whoarrived，disguisedasanoldwoman，withaveilandgreycloak：thatofLordWestmoreland，withthedaughterandheiressofMrChilde，thebanker；thatofLordEldon（anotherChancellor）；ofoneoftheLaws，brotherofLordChiefJusticeEllenborough；andofaclergyman，theRev。ThomasCator；besidesahostoflessremarkable，andequallyremarkable，cases。TheseGretnamarriagesheldgood；buttheceremonywas，nevertheless，generallyrepeatedaccordingtomoreregularforms，assoonasopportunitypermitted。Theytookplaceingreatnumbers；anditisonlyveryrecentlythatlegislationhasbeenappealedto，onthesubjectoftheirprohibition。Thelaw，thechurch，andthenobility，thusowetoDavidPaisleytheblacksmith，andJohnLintontheinnkeeper，manyofthemarriagesoftheirmostillustriousanddistinguishedfamilies。Assuredly，marriageisnotasacramentinScotland！Indeed，somanystrangeconfusionshavetakenplaceinconsequenceofthelaxityofthelawinthatcountrythatitwashumorouslyassertedintheHouseofLords，duringPage150
　　anappealonaScotchcase，thatnoScotchgentlemancouldfeelpositivelysure，whetherheweremarriedorabachelor，theknotwassoeasilytied。
　　InScotland，theproperty，personalty，andrightsofthewife，arefarmorestrictlyprotectedthaninEngland：andindivorcecases，shehastheadvantageovertheEnglishwife，inthefactthatthefirststepistoinquireintothetruthoftheallegationsagainsther。TheEnglishwife，inanactionfor"damages，"
　　broughtasafirststeptowardsdivorce，byherhusbandagainstherlover，isnotconsideredasapartyinthesuit；cannothavecounsel；andcanonlybenefitbysuchchancecircumstancesinherfavourasbelongtothedefencemadebythemanagainstwhomtheactionislaid。LordBrougham，in1838，mentionedacaseintheHouseofLords，inwhichnotonlythemanproceededagainstwasnotintruththewoman’slover，butnotevenanacquaintance；andtheactionwasanagreedplotbetweenhimandthehusband，whodesiredtoberidofhiswife！
　　ButwehaveonlytolookbacktotheoriginofdivorceinEngland，tocomprehend，thattheprotectionofthewomanwasthelastthingconsideredintheframingofitslaws。
　　WhetherweoughttoadopttheviewtakenbyRomanCatholics，andconsidermarriageasasacrament；orwhether（asMiltonbitterlywrote，whenarguinghisrighttogetridofthewifewhowasno"help—mate"tohim）personsoncewedded，shouldbecompelled，"inspiteofantipathy，tofadgetogetherandcombineastheymay，totheirunspeakablewearisomeness；——forcedtodrawinthatyoke，anunmercifulday’sworkofsorrow，tilldeathunharnessthem，"——isnolongeranargumentinProtestantEngland。Divorce，initsfullestinterpretation；——divorce，whichbreaksthemarriageutterly，andallowsofanewchoice；thechildrenofwhichnewchoiceshallbeaslegitimateandascapableofinheritingbysuccession，asthechildrenofanyothermarriages，istheestablishedlawofourland。Divorceparliamentary，anddivorceecclesiastical：BishopsvotePage151
　　intheHouseofLords，andtherefore，itistobepresumed，theyvoteondivorcecases：anddivorcedpartiesarere—marriedbeforetheChurch，andbytheministersofthatChurch，preciselyastheywerebefore。Astartlinganomaly；butnotgreaterthanallourotherdiscrepanciesonthissubject。
　　Ourmarriageceremonybelongstothecompilationofourliturgy；andourliturgywascompiled，notbyangels，butbymen：piousandwisemen，whosetaskwasperformedwithreverence，andshouldbeheldinreverence，buttheythemselvesprefaceditwiththedeclaration，thatithadbeencompiledasfaraspossibletoreconciletwocontendingpartiesintheChurch。Two，ifnotthree，ofthecompilers，wereRomanCatholics。Muchofthephraseology，andsomeoftheservicesretained，areRomanCatholic。Thephraseologyofthemarriageservicebelongstothatcreed。Thecommunityofgoodsreferredtointhatceremony，doesnotexistwithus：andthesimplestreadermustperceiveagreatcontrastbetweentheChurchformandtheProtestantlaw：
　　betweenthepowervestedintheLegislaturetobreakmarriagesonadecreemadebyassembledpeers，andthephraseologyofaceremonialdeclaredtobe"symbolicalofthemysteryofChrist’sunionwiththeChurch；"——whichpronouncesthepartiesmanandwife"inthenameoftheFather，theSon，andtheHolyGhost；"——anddismissesthemwiththeblessing，"WhatGodhathjoined，letnomanputasunder。"Isittheceremonythatmakesmarriage，——orthelawthatbreaksmarriage，——thatiswrong？Theydonotagree；andsolemnandtrueisthesentencewhichfirstmeetsoureyesintheprefacetotheChurchService："Therewasneveranythingbythewitofmansowelldevised，orsosureestablished，whichincontinuanceoftimehathnotbeencorrupted。"
　　Andthatbecausethewitofman（suchasitis）isperpetuallyswayedbythepassionsofman。
　　Now，divorceinEngland，weowetoHenryVIII。Tothatmonarch，——profanelystyledtheFatheroftheReformation，DefenderoftheFaith，SupremeGovernoroftheChurch，——Page152
　　tothatKing，remarkableinyouthforinordinatevanity，inmanhoodforinordinatesensuality，indeclininglifeforinordinatetyranny，weowethegreatchasmwhichdividestheinterpretedsenseofsuchlanguage，fromtherealityofitsbindingeffect：——
　　"AndGospellightfirstshonefromBoleyn’seyes，"——toenableafalse—heartedsensualisttoridhimselfofhislegitimatewife。Bishopswereexecutedforobjectingtohiscontemplateddivorce；thelawsofearthandheavenwereconfusedinthestruggleofonewildandrecklesswill；Romewasalternatelyappealedtoanddefied；till，onaSabbathdayinSeptember1532，atWindsorCastle，——whileKatherinewasyethisnominalQueenandnominalwife，——asortofrehearsalofafuturecoronationwasmade，bycreatingAnneBoleyn，MarchionessofPembroke。TheDefenderoftheFaithhimselfputthedemi—circularcoronetonthatlovelyhead，whichwassosoontousurpthecrown；sosoontobeseveredbytheaxe！TheDukeofNorfolk’sdaughtercarriedhermantleandcoronet；theCountessesofRutlandandSussexwaiteduponher；theBishopofWinchesterreadaloudtheletterspatentofhernewnobility；andfromthatdayshewasattendeduponwithroyalstate；likeaprincess。Fromthatday，forhowlong？Forone，——two，——threemonths，ormore？Historianscannottell。TheydisputethedateofHenry’sunhallowedunion；andthisfactonlyappearsclear，thathemarriedAnneBoleynBEFOREthesentenceofdivorcefromKatherinewasactuallypronouncedbyCranmer。
　　Retributionwasinstore。
　　Soon，toosoon，thatfairAuroraoftheReformation，——thatwomanwithsuchgenerousimpulses，suchstrongambition，suchpassionateattachments，suchuniversalfascination，——wastoperishasavictim，whereshehadreignedassovereign。Vainwereherappealstothetyrant—heart，whoseflameoflustbeingburnedout，heldnootherlighttoreadawoman’sprayerby。
　　Theechoofthesamecallwhichhadonceinsultedhermistress，predecessorandPage153
　　supersededQueen，——"CATHERINE，COMEINTOCOURT！"wasrepeatedforAnneBoleyn。She，too，cameintoCourt——tobetriedandcondemned。
　　Theloverwhowooedheringirlhood，——Percy，DukeofNorthumberland，——sawherstandthattrial：hercondemnationhedidnothear：hepleadedillnessandwithdrew，beforethecloseoftheproceedings；takingwithhimtheonegleamoffaint—heartedpity，towhichperhaps，thatstruggling，despairingwomanhadlookedforhelp。Shewascondemned；bythosewhodidnotbelievehercriminal；forcrimeswhichnaturerevoltedat；forcrimesshenevercommitted。Shediedherdeathofjustexpiationonafalseplea；sheleftthechildofherbriefdayofloveandtriumphtoreigngloriouslyoverEnglandasQueenElizabeth；andshelefttherescueofherblottedname，totheyearningregretofherpoet—admirerWiatt，andtheskillofcontendinghistorians。
　　Thedaysheperished，Henrytookanotherqueen。ThecannonwhichboomedfromtheTower，whenwithpatientdignitythatforsakencreaturelaidherheadontheblock，broughttotheking’searadoublesignal；ofdeathandrejoicing。Hehadthrownofthebondageofasecondmarriage，andhejoyouslycontractedathird。Everycircumstanceattendingthatsuddenfreedom，shouldhavesurroundeditwithagravehorror。Hehadexecutedhiswife，——themotherofhischildandourfutureSovereign，——ontheaccusationofbeingparamourtodiversemen，amongstwhomwasherownbrother。Hehadhimselfassertedthathehadlivedinintimaterelationswithhersister。Hermotherhadbeenslanderedforhissake：andDrBayleyinhisLifeofBishopFisher（oneofHenry’svictims），alludestothebeliefentertainedbysomepersonsthatAnneBoleynwastheking’sowndaughter。Hehadsoughttobastardizethelegitimateoffspringofhisfirstqueen，andafterwardsofhissecond。Hehadslaughteredchurchmenforinterferingwiththegratificationofhispassions；andhenowslaughteredthewomanwhohadbeenhistemptation。
　　Outofthatmassofsin，misery，struggle，andlawlesscon—Page154
　　fusionofrights，sprungthegermofourEnglishformofdivorce。
　　Fromthatdate，thepowerofthesacerdotalblessingstoodindirectconflictwiththerightofthecivillawtoannulit；andmanwaspronouncedperfectlycapableofputtingasunderthosewhohadbeenjoinedbeforeGod。TheconsentoftheChurchwasaskedtothatdivorce：thepleasheldtobesufficienttoannulmarriage，weresetbeforetheChurch；butthehistoricalresultwas，thatHenrysethimselfabovetheChurch；thatprimarypowerremainedvestedinParliament，andthesecondarypowerinsacerdotalforms。Lawandreligionwerebothcalledin，butitwastohelpthelawlessandtheirreligious。TheshadowofJusticewandered，inthecourtswherequeenspleadedinvain——intheParliamentwherenoblesbowedtheirhearts，astheybowedtheirheads，beforethetyrantofEngland——andpresidedoverthevainconsultationsofyieldingbishops；butitsrealitywaswanting。
　　SincethedaysofKingHenry，divorcehasremainedanindulgencesacredtothearistocracyofEngland。
　　Thepoorerclasseshavenoformofdivorceamongstthem。Therichmanmakesanewmarriage，havingdivorcedhiswifeintheHouseofLords：hisnewmarriageislegal；hischildrenarelegitimate；hisbride（ifshebenotthedivorcedpartnerofhissin，butsimplyhiselectedchoiceinhisnewconditionoffreedom），occupies，inallrespects，thesamesocialposition，asifhehadneverpreviouslybeenwedded。Thepoormanmakesanewmarriage，nothavingdivorcedhiswifeintheHouseofLords；hisnewmarriageisnull；hischildrenarebastards；andhehimselfisliabletobeputonhistrialforbigamy：theallottedpunishmentforwhichcrime，atonetimewashanging，andisnowimprisonment。Meanwhile，nothingcanexceedtheignoranceofthepoorerclassesonthissubject。Theybelieveamagistratecandivorcethem；thatanabsenceofsevenyearsconstitutesnullityofthemarriagetie；thattheycangiveandreceivereciprocalpermissiontodivorce，andtakeamoresuitablepartner；andamongsomeofourruralpopulations，thePage155
　　grosserbeliefprevails，thatamanmaylegallysellhiswife，andsobreakthebondofunion。Theybelieveanythingratherthanwhatisthefact，thattheycannotdolegallythatwhichtheyknowisdonelegallyintheclassesabovethem：thattheycannotconsecratethenewtie，orgettheoldoneannulled；butmustbecontenttolive，pairedtogetherintheonlywaythatremainspossible，——or，runtheriskofbeingtriedatthebarofjustice！Noristhisconfinedtothelowerclasses：personsinrespectableandeducatedpositions，fromignoranceoftheexactlaw，orinthehopeofescapingitsnotice，runthesamerisk。
　　Wehaveonlytoturntothenewspapers，andtakethefirstcaseathazard，asanillustration。IfindonetriedbeforeMrRussellGurney，nolaterthanDecember3，1853。Ifind，inthatbriefreport，astoryrevealed，whichresemblestheromanceof"JaneEyre"（except，thatromancealwaysappearstoexcitedeeperinterestthanreality）。Thecouplewhosemisfortunesthusflashedforamomentonpublicattention，wereMrR。W。GrayandMaryAdams：theevidenceshowed，thatMrGrayhadawife，livingandundivorced；
　　andwasthereforeguiltyofbigamy。MaryAdamsdeposed，thathehadcourtedherforsixyears；hadnomoneywithher；onthecontrary，suppliedherwithmoneysincehisapprehension；hadalwaysbeenverykind；andthattheyhadachildofhis，residingwiththem。Theundivorcedwifewaslivingwithanomnibusman，andhadbeeninalunaticasylum！MrRussellGurney，indecidingthecase，observed，withepigrammatictruth，that"thiswasoneofthoseunfortunatecases，inwhich，inthepresentstateofthelaw，ifamanwerenotpossessedofwealth，hehadnopowertoremedyhissituation。"Now，ifinsteadofplainMrGrayandobscureMaryAdams，thepartieshadbeenLordGraytonandLadyMary，weshouldsimplyhavehad"Grayton’sDivorceBill"goingquietlythroughtheHouseofLords，previoustoreceivingtheroyalassent；andLadyMaryinnocentlylookingforwardtomakingthatforsakenhomehappy；byreplacingthemad，badwife，whocouldnolongerbeaPage156
　　"help—mate"toherhusband。Notbeingpersonsofwealthandstation，wehaveatrialforbigamy，andthisillegalattemptathappinessrootedupbythesternhandofjustice，whichpronouncessuchunionstobetaresamongthepermittedgrain，ofmarriages"dissolvedbyActofParliament。"
　　Suchananomalyintheadministrationofequallaws，isscarcelycredible；
　　butitexists；andismurmuredat，——bytheobscure。
　　Thisdifficulty，——whichexistsforthepoor，onaccountoftheexpenseofourformofdivorce，——existsalsoforwomen，fromthereluctancetoallowadivorceontheirpetition。
　　ThefirstinstanceofadivorcebillpassedinEnglandonthepetitionoftheWife，wasintheyear1801，inthecaseofMrAddison，whohadlivedwiththesisterofhiswife。Thelateking，（thenDukeofClarence），movedtherejectionofthebill；onthegroundthatmarriageinthiscountryneverhadbeen，andneveroughttobe，dissolved，unlessfortheadulteryoftheWIFE，whichaloneforeverfrustratedthepurposesforwhichmarriagehadbeeninstituted。LordEldonwasthenChancellor；butthespeakerwhoansweredtheDukeofClarencewastheex—ChancellorLordThurlow；whowaslistenedtowithraptattention。LordThurlowsaid，thathehadbeenexcitedbythebilltoexaminethewholesubjectofdivorce，andthathewasoftheopiniontheremedywasnotconfinedtothehusband。Helaidthisdownastheprinciplethatshoulddecidejudgmentinsuchcases：namely，——whetherthepartiescanproperlylivetogetherasmanandwife？Hesaid——Commonlawandstatutelawaresilentuponthesubject，andthisistherulelaiddownbyreason，bymorality，andbyreligion。
　　Whydoyougranttothehusbandadivorcefortheadulteryofthewife？
　　Becauseheoughtnottoforgiveher；andseparationisinevitable。Wherethewifecannotforgive，——andseparationisinevitable，byreasonofthecrimeofthehusband，——thewifeisentitledtolikeremedy！Inthisinstance，reconciliationisimpossible——thewifecannotforgivethehusbandandreturntohishouse，withoutherselfbeingguiltyofincest。DosuchofyourPage157
　　Lordshipsasopposethebillforthesakeofmorality，wishorproposethatsheshould？No。Youallowthatshecanneverlivewithhimagainasherhusband：andisshe——innocent，andamodelofvirtue，——tobecondemned，forHIScrime，tospendtherestofherdaysintheunheard——ofsituation，ofbeingneithervirgin，wife，orwidow？
　　ThespeechofLordThurlowconvertedLordChancellorEldon，whodeclaredthatuntilheheardit，hehadintendedtoopposethemeasure；andex—ChancellorLordRosslynalsogavehisvoteontheprinciplesolaiddown；namely，theimpossibilityofareconciliation；onaccountofthepeculiaratrocityofthecase，whichleftnogroundforpardon，ascommoninconstancymighthavedone。
　　Thebillpassedbothhouses，andreceivedtheroyalassent；thatmiserablemarriagewasbroken；andtheopinionofLordThurlowsofarobtained，thatinoneortwocasesofenormity，adivorceavinculohadsincebeengrantedbyParliamentontheWIFE’Spetition。
　　Veryjealously，however，hastheprivilegebeenguarded；andthestrangecontrastbetweenthelawsintwocountrieswhichformbutonekingdom，——（EnglandandScotland），——isinnothingmoresalientthaninthis；divorceinScotland，being，asI
　　havesaid，grantedatthewife’ssuitasamatterofusualandundisputedjustice。InwhatadifferentspirittheEnglishlawcontemplatesthefactofahusband’sinconstancy，wemayjudgebytherecommendationofthecommissioners，appointed，twoyearssince，toexamineandreportuponlawreform。Inthereportmade，theyrecommended，——amongstother"improvements，"——thateventhenominalrightofpetitionshouldbetakenawayfromthewoman：thatthehusbandshouldretainhisrighttodivorcehiswifeonproofofherinfidelity，——butthatthewifeshouldnot，underanycircumstances，havearighttoclaimdivorceavinculo：that，inshort，insteadofjusticebeing，asatpresent（asitalwaysisforwomen），merelyimprobable，itshouldbeimpossible；andthatallthegentlemeninEnglandwhoaresoinclined，shallliveinlegalizedinfidelityPage158
　　totheirwives；theslenderremedylefttothewife，beingthatshemayobtainpermissionto"liveapart"fromherunfaithfulhusband。
　　"Butthecrimeofthemanisnothingincomparisonwiththecrimeofthewoman；"——saytheobjectors。Why？Because——（andherewecometoEngland’smerchantspiritagain，——property，notmorality，beingthethingheldsacred），——"becausethewife’sadulterymaygivethehusbandaspurioussontoinherit！"Truly：
　　andthehusband’sadulterymaygivehisfriend，——intowhosehousehehascreptlikeathief，tostealfaithandhonour，——aspurioussontoinherit。
　　Oritmaygivesomewretchedvictimofhisseduction，aspurioussontodrownorstrangle。Oritmaygivehimaspuriousson，bysomewanton，onwhomhelavishesthepatrimonyofhislegitimatesons。Nomatter！Thewrongdonebyhimcannotbemeasuredbyequalweightwiththewrongdonetohim：forheisaMAN，andclaimshisrightofexemption，bynaturalsuperiority。AsPeerscannotbehung，butmustbebeheaded，——asmembersoftheHouseofCommonscannotbearrestedfordebt，——somencannotbearrestedinsin，onequalgroundswiththeinferiorparty。