Drawing upon her rich experience of life, Prudence (Prudie to her friends) responds to questions about manners, personal relations, politics, and other subjects. Please send your questions for publication to Prudence@slate.com. Queries should not exceed 200 words in length. Please indicate how you wish your letter to be signed, preferably including your location.

Dear Prudie,

Just what does a gentleman do when suspected of having been unfaithful to his wife? Is the answer to lie, lie, lie in order to keep peace in the family, shelter the self-esteem of his wife, and protect the reputation of the lady in question? Or is it as the Bible and some of our laws say: Do not bear false witness?

I think I know how Prudence would reply. I'm interested in learning how the next generation looks at a question like this.

--Dick Taylor

Dear Dick,

You do not say suspected by whom. If the transgressor is called on the carpet by his wife, the Bible's admonition is the one to follow.

While Prudie admires concern for the spouse's self-esteem, peace in the family, and the reputation of the illicit partner, she must point out that all are jeopardized by the "gentleman's" actions.

Your use of the phrase "having been unfaithful" suggests the affair may be over. If this is the case, the gentleman might take his wife for a drive and ask, "Will you forgive me, or should I drive right to a jewelry store?"

--Prudie, generationally