(undated) My dear Mrs. Bolland, I regret that you should pay the slightest attention to any ill-natured gossip that is generally so freely circulated about the place. As far as I am concerned, it shall not have the slightest influence on my proceedings; as I invariably treat all undeserved imputations with perfect indifference and contempt. You may therefore rest assured, as I have already told your sister, that every assistance and protection shall be afforded you in your present desolate and forlorn condition; and this I wish you to understand shall be entirely in fulfilment and accordance with my public duties. I shall therefore direct a policeman to be stationed at the Parsonage, when necessary; but I must request that he is not at any time to be dismissed from