“Though I have no objection to your refusal to carry letters to Mealey’s, you will take care that the letters are taken by Spero at the proper time.  I have also to observe, that Susan is to be treated with civility, and not insulted by any person over whom I have the smallest control, or, indeed, by any one whatever, while I have the power to protect her.  I am truly sorry to have any subject of complaint against you; I have too good an opinion of you to think I shall have occasion to repeat it, after the care I have taken of you, and my favourable intentions in your behalf.  I see no occasion for any communication whatever between you and the women, and wish you to occupy yourself in preparing for the situation in which you will be placed.  If a common sense of decency cannot prevent you from conducting yourself towards them with rudeness, I should at least hope that your own interest, and regard for a master who has never treated you with unkindness, will have some weight.  Yours, &c.

     “BYRON.

“P.S.—­I wish you to attend to your arithmetic, to occupy yourself in surveying, measuring, and making yourself acquainted with every particular relative to the land of Newstead, and you will write to me one letter every week, that I may know how you go on.”

* * * * *

LETTER 85.  TO ROBERT RUSHTON.

     “8.  St. James’s Street, January 25. 1812.

     “Your refusal to carry the letter was not a subject of
     remonstrance; it was not a part of your business; but the language
     you used to the girl was (as she stated it) highly improper.

     “You say that you also have something to complain of; then state it
     to me immediately; it would be very unfair, and very contrary to my
     disposition, not to hear both sides of the question.

“If any thing has passed between you before or since my last visit to Newstead, do not be afraid to mention it.  I am sure you would not deceive me, though she would.  Whatever it is, you shall be forgiven.  I have not been without some suspicions on the subject, and am certain that, at your time of life, the blame could not attach to you.  You will not consult any one as to your answer, but write to me immediately.  I shall be more ready to hear what you have to advance, as I do not remember ever to have heard a word from you before against any human being, which convinces me you would not maliciously assert an untruth.  There is not any one who can do the least injury to you while you conduct yourself properly.  I shall expect your answer immediately.  Yours, &c.

     “BYRON.”

* * * * *

It was after writing these letters that he came to the knowledge of some improper levities on the part of the girl, in consequence of which he dismissed her and another female servant from Newstead; and how strongly he allowed this discovery to affect his mind, will be seen in a subsequent letter to Mr. Hodgson.