| Citation |
PP-P.773.016
1 Feb 1773:11, 12 (2/67)
[Article on the evils of spreading malicious rumors or
scandal]
[7 paragraphs on rumors]
These reflexions, were occasioned by the following
dialogue:--- When and where it happened, or how it came to
my knowledge is of no consequence; but it may serve to show
that direct assertions and open abuse are not the only
sources of defamation.
Mrs. X. Miss Y. and Mr. Z. met at a Tea-Table.
X. How did you like the last assembly?
Y. Extremely well-- never in better spirits in all my life.
X. Don't you thing [=think] Miss Varnish much improved in
her dancing?
Y. Y-e-s I think she is-- indeed there was room enough for
improvement: she used to make a shocking aukward figure.
Z. I thought she looked devilish handsome-- what a fine
colour she had!
Y. Colour! yes, yes, she had colour enough-- but mum for
that.
Z. What do you mean? You don't think she paints.
Y. Why you scandalous creature-- did I say she paints? This
however I know, that I watched her the whole evening, and
never saw her colour encrease or diminish a single teint;
tho' the evening was warm, and she danced a full set.
X. I remember her a year ago, when she was quite sallow; and
was thought to have a very bad complexion.
Y. I think I observed some others in the room, whose skins
have cleared up surprisingly within these few months.
X. Pray, how did you like Mrs. Random's new silk?
Y. Rather expensive than genteel, in my opinion, But it is
the way with your upstart gentry; they always endeavour to
make up in extravagance what they want in true politeness.--
I pity the husband who is to pay for her gentility.
Z. 'Tis whispered, Mr. Random is a good deal involved in his
affairs.
Y. Very likely-- I don't wonder at it at all.
X. Did you hear that his niece will very shortly be married
to Mr. Rakish?
Y. I am heartily glad of it-- she is a sprightly, clever
girl; but a little imprudent or so, -- In short, I think the
sooner she is married the better, -- I wish this wedding may
not be more necessary than people imagine, &c.
Three days after this Tea-Table conversation, it was roundly
asserted, that Miss Varnish painted, that Mr. Random had
stopt payment, and that his niece was ------. Neither was
it possible for the injured parties to trace this calumny to
its true source.
. . . [6 paragraphs]
[signed] Senex.
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