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respect and sympathy. Were they to adopt a different line of conduct, his Lordship might have a great deal to answer for.
His Lordship says, that the cases are as fifty to one, where the husband would wish to have the benefit of the sister-in-law's maternal care for his children without marrying her. If this be so, how happens it that so many (thousands, according to Lord Wharncliffe) have married, and so many are anxious to marry, their sisters-in-law? In point of fact, the assertion is most unjust to the male sex. Men are selfish enough in all conscience, but surely so large a proportion would not desire or encourage such a sacrifice; and few young women, supposing them willing, would be permitted by their parents to devote the best years of their life to such an object. Setting all considerations of morality apart, the only mode by which, in the majority of cases, a widower can permanently secure the maternal care of a marriageable sister-in-law for his children, is by marrying her. The value of this care is admitted on all hands, and it is therefore unnecessary to dwell upon it.[1] To guard myself effectually against the charge of presumption, it may be as well to quote the
- ↑ See Montesquieu (Book xxvi. c. 14), where such marriages are strongly recommended.
