And William admitted that he would not.
After that he even put the matter to his wife "Martha, you're a sensible woman, I'd like to ask you about a case."
"Oh, well," said Martha simpering, "I don't pretend to any very great wisdom, but I do know something about sickness."
"This isn't sickness; it's about a child. Do you think a child is susceptible to the influence of an older person who is not of the highest character? If, for instance, the mother was—not good, do you suppose a child would be injured?"
"Not good?" said Martha, horrified. "Oh, William' Somebody in Upper
Chester, I suppose?"
"But she is a devoted mother; you couldn't be more conscientious yourself. So do you think her conduct could do any harm to a child?"
"Oh, Willy! A child in the care of a bad woman? Shocking!"
"Not bad—not bad—" he said faintly.
"Most shocking! Of course a child would be susceptible to such influences."
William drew arabesques on the table-cloth with his fork, "Well, I don't know—" he began.