esclandre

— The simple truth, if adhered to, might not have answered the purposes of the narrator, because lapses from conjugal fidelity are unhappily not crimes unknown or unpardonable in Italy; but when to it were added exaggerated representations of the disgraceful esclandre of a public elopement, and the death of the deserted husband, stated to have been caused by the misconduct of the wife, the utmost indignation was excited.

— The old Lord had, wisely enough, settled in his will that Lucia was to enjoy the interest of her fortune from the time that she came out, provided she did not marry without her guardian's leave; and Scoutbush, to avoid esclandre and misery, thought it as well to waive the proviso, and paid her her dividends as usual.