BUCOLIC IMMORALITY.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 99, 5 August 1882, Page 323

BUCOLIC IMMORALITY.

It would be well if a little more daylight were let into some of the extraordinary proceedings in remote country, districts, where a few local Bumbles, dressed in a little brief authority, manage to subordinate the public opinion and affairs to the will of petty cliques. Particulars have reached us from one quarter of the open and shameless immoralities of a person who holds a semi-official position, but in consequence of the influence which he. exercises over the public opinion of the place, he has hitherto pursued his vicious career without hindrance. The moral and. law-abiding people of the district resent his conduct as a scandal and disgrace, and an evil example to their families, but owing to the terror inspired by his wealth and influence, dare not speak their minds. — . 4r-

Some time ago this man. had in his household a very good-looking female servant. For certain too obvious reasons it became advisable that the girl should be removed, and by a present of a sum of money a young man was induced to marry her. The paii> -went to reside at a distance, and notwithstanding the girl's little slip, managed to get on veiy well together, until in course of time (the period does not matter) a son and heir was born. (Shortly afterwards the girl's former employer appeared on the scene and began to renew his un- \ welcome attentions with the object of inducing her to forsake her husband and return to service. His advances being rejected, he had the meanness to attempt to intimidate her with threats of exposure of the relations that had existed between them while she was in his service. If the husband is not a craven-spirited nincompoop he will resent any repetition of this conduct with a stout horsewhip.