I am very much grieved to hear of your afflictions; but, whatever you say, I cannot think the late Mr.Beaufort acted like a conscientious man, in forgetting to make his will, and leaving his little ones destitute.

It is all very well to talk of his intentions; but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

And it is hard upon me, who have a large family of my own, and get my livelihood by honest industry, to have a rich gentleman's children to maintain.

As for your story about the private marriage, it may or not be.

Perhaps you were taken in by that worthless man, for a real marriage it could not be.
And, as you say, the law has decided that point; therefore, the less you say on the matter the better.