This is evidence that she did not wish the thing known.

It is proved also, that, in spite of her secrecy with her parents and friends, the rumour got out, and was spoken of by Shelley as the only important one.
Now, let us see how this note, cited by the 'Quarterly,' confirms one of Lady Byron's own statements.

She says to Lady Anne Barnard,-- 'I trust you understand my wishes, which never were to injure Lord Byron in any way; for, though he would not suffer me to remain his wife, he cannot prevent me from continuing his friend; and it was from considering myself as such that I silenced the accusations by which my own conduct might have been more fully justified.' How did Lady Byron silence accusations?
First, by keeping silence to her nearest relatives; second, by shutting the mouths of servants; third, by imposing silence on her friends,--as Lady Anne Barnard; fourth, by silencing her legal counsel; fifth, and most entirely, by treating Mrs.
Leigh, before the world, with unaltered kindness.

In the midst of the rumours, Lady Byron went to visit her; and Shelley says that the movement was effectual.

Can the 'Quarterly' prove that, at this time, Mrs.Leigh had not confessed all, and thrown herself on Lady Byron's mercy?
It is not necessary to suppose great horror and indignation on the part of Lady Byron.