It is only fair to remind the reader that, when these letters were written, Lady Byron had not consulted Dr. Lushington. We are inclined to think that the last letter was written on the day when she received Mrs. Clermont's 'proofs.' Meanwhile, Augusta, unconscious that an avalanche of scandal threatened to sweep her reputation into an abyss, was catching at every straw that might avert a catastrophe. Her thoughts turned to Hodgson, whose noble character, sound common-sense, and affection for Byron, were undoubted. It was possible, she thought, that the ruin and destruction which she dreaded for her brother might be averted through the advice and assistance of an honourable man of the world. In that wild hope the following letters were written: '13, PICCADILLY TERRACE, '_Wednesday, February 7, 1816_. 'DEAR MR. HODGSON, 'Can you by _any means_ contrive to come up to Town? Were it only for _a day_, it might be of the most essential service to a friend I know you love and value. There is too much fear of a separation between him and his wife. No time is to be lost, but even if you are _too late_ to prevent that happening _decidedly_, yet it would be the greatest comfort and relief to me to confide other circumstances to you, and consult you; and so if _possible_ oblige me, if only for _twenty-four_ hours. Say not _a word_ of my summons, but attribute your coming, if you come, to business of your own or chance. Excuse brevity; I am so perfectly wretched I can only say, 'Ever yours most truly, 'AUGUSTA LEIGH. 'It is probable I may be obliged to go home next week. If my scheme appears wild, pray attribute it to the state of mind I am in. Alas! I see only _ruin_ and _destruction_ in _every_ shape to one most dear to me.' Hodgson at once responded to this appeal by taking the first stage-coach to London, where the next letter was addressed to him at his lodgings near Piccadilly: 'How very good of you, dear Mr. Hodgson! I intend showing the letter to B., as I _think_ he will jump at seeing you just now, but I _must_ see you first; and how? I am now going to Mr. Hanson's from B. I'm afraid of your meeting people here who _do no good_, and would counteract yours; but will you call about two, or after that, and ask for _me_ first? I shall be home, I hope, and _must_ see you. If I'm out ask for Capt. B. 'Yours sincerely, 'A. L.' '_Friday evening, 9 o'clock._ 'DEAR MR. HODGSON,