135. Distinction between Ancient and Modern Free- thinkers-The latter how to be treated-Anec- 136. History of Tom Varnish-Petitioners for the 137. Various Abuses of Speech-Swearing-De- parture of the Duke of Marlborough, &c. Steele. 138. Deference to the Opinion of the World- Gyges' Ring-Actions of Public Spirits- 139. Women more improvable thau Man-On Courtship-The Author's Discoveries by the 140. Letters on a charitable Provision for poor Boys -Cicero's Defence of Archias-Use of the term Madam-Indecorums at Church-From an In- Steele. 141. Education of Girls-Whetters-Noisy Neigh- bours-Letter from a Valentine-Petition of the Steele. 143. Sister Jenny appears in her own Chariot-The Author's Letter to her Husband-Provision for Pastorals-Public Impostors-Joshua Barnes THE TATLER. N° 85. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1709. From my own Apartment, October 24. My brother Tranquillus, who is a man of business, came to me this morning into my study, and after many very civil expressions in return for what good offices I had done him, told me,' he desired to carry his wife, my sister, that very morning, to his own house.' I readily told him, 'I would wait upon him,' without asking why he was so impatient to rob us of his good company. He went out of my chamber, and I thought seemed to have a little heaviness upon him, which gave me some disquiet. Soon after my sister came to me, with a very matron-like air, and most sedate satisfaction in her looks, which spoke her very much at ease; but the traces of her countenance seemed to discover that she had been lately in a passion, and that air of content to flow from a certain triumph upon some advantage obtained. She no sooner sat down by me, but I perceived she was one of those ladies who begin to be managers within the time of their being brides.-Without letting her speak, which I saw she had a mighty inclination to do, I said,' Here has been your husband, who tells me he has a mind to go home this very morning, and I have consented to it.'-It is well,' said she, for you must know- - Nay, Jenny,' said I, 'I beg your pardon, for it is you must know-You are to understand, that now is the time to fix or alienate your husband's heart for ever; and I fear you have been a little indiscreet in your expressions or behaviour towards him, even here in my house.' There has,' says she, 'been some words: but I will be judged by you if he was not in the wrong: nay, I need not be judged by any body, for he gave it up himself, and said not a word when he saw me grow passionate, but, "Madam, you are perfectly in the right of it:" as you shall judge—'— Nay, Madam,' said I, 'I am judge already, and tell you, that you are perfectly in the wrong of it; for if it was a matter of importance, I know he has better sense than you; if a trifle, you know what I told you on your wedding-day, that you were to be above little provocations.' She knows very well I can be sour upon occasion, therefore gave me leave to go on. Sister,' said I, 'I will not enter into the dispute between you, which I find his prudence put an end to before it came to extremity; but charge you to have a care of the first quarrel, as you tender your happiness; for then it is that the mind will reflect harshly upon every circumstance that has ever passed between you. If such an accident is ever to happen, which I hope never will, be sure to keep to the circumstance before you; make no allusions to what is passed, or conclusions referring to what is to come: do not shew a hoard of matter for dissension in your breast; but, if it is necessary, lay before him the thing as you understand it, candidly, without being ashamed of acknowledging an error, or proud of being in the right. If a young couple be not careful in this point, they will get into a habit of wrangling: and when to displease is thought of no consequence, to please is always of as little moment. There is a play, Jenny, I have for |