The business has, therefore been carried through with the
greatest success. You have paid the claim in full without question. For
me there was left the very comfortable provision of 15,000 pounds, with
the consciousness of a daring and successful swindle. Unfortunately, my
wife has now discovered that her conscience will give her no peace or
rest until full restitution of the money has been made. She has
informed me of her intention to send back without delay that part of it
which lies at her bank in her own name--that is to say, five thousand
pounds.
"I do not suppose that, as gentlemen, you would be disposed to subject
a woman who thus desires to repair a wrong to the degradation of a
public prosecution. No useful end, in fact, will be served in so doing.
It is, in fact, in the conviction that you will take no proceedings
that I write this letter.
"Further, as I wish my wife's scruples of conscience to be completely
set at rest, I am prepared, on an assurance that the matter will be
allowed to drop, to forward to you the remainder of the money, less two
thousand pounds, which I have reason to believe will be sent to you in
course of time. I am also prepared to instruct my wife, as my heir, in
the event of my death to make no claim on the Company; and I have
requested my solicitor to cease paying the annual premium.
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