Loose Lips

I certainly wouldn't say I actually enjoyed the curtailment of my liberty, but it was curious and interesting nevertheless. Upon my freedom, I recalled the little chat I'd had with myself, many times, over the many months. I vowed that, more than before, I'd take great care with whom I trusted. Never again would I idly mention what I'd been thinking to just anyone. A bit sad, that restriction, but not so restrictive as incarceration had been. Yes, I'll have to mind what I speak aloud. Though only thoughts, after all, and I never would have expected to be taken to task for them, once out, words can condemn, as I discovered. Why hearsay should be weighted so, I cannot grasp. But, there it is, there I was, and now, I must make adjustments.

I'll have to spend more time looking about 'ere I speak and make a pledge to write only in secret. When fairly on the road, perhaps then I might be freer to say my mind, far enough from my usual treads so as not to be recognized or remembered. Hmm, what about diguises? What if I were to appear as old as possible? Or dress quite dashingly so as to have strangers looking at me approvingly but paying less attention to my words, or even shed sight of me for seeming vain and not tarrying to listen to what I might say?

No, I really should just learn not to speak without knowing who might be having a listen. I'll spend more time thinking silently or reading, and share no more than a smile or the tip of my hat with others who may appear next to me on the bench or trolley seat. But really, what are the chances? What ARE the chances, that a friend of the fellow from whom my niece had received a proposal so very ungraciously should be the very person to whom I'd jokingly comment that the girl should be whipped and then she turns up exactly in that condition such that her suitor is called to court, his friend defends him with my words, and their barrister makes it out as though it was I who'd delivered the chit's bruises? I'd sooner see those two blokes catch a trundle under hoof and--- Did I say that aloud? Blast! I hope they do not meet with such injury, else I'm liable to end up in the gaol again!