passions; and by the general frailty, hides his
own. If you are wise, and would be happy, turn a deaf ear to such
reports: 'tis ruin to believe them.

_Mrs. Bev._ Ay, worse than ruin. 'Twould be to sin against
conviction. Why was it mentioned?

_Stu._ To guard you against rumour. The sport of half mankind is
mischief; and for a single error they make men devils. If their
tales reach you, disbelieve them.

_Mrs. Bev._ What tales? By whom? Why told? I have heard nothing; or
if I had, with all his errors, my Beverley's firm faith admits no
doubt. It is my safety; my seat of rest and joy, while the storm
threatens round me. I'll not forsake it. (_Stukely sighs, and looks
down_) Why turn you from me? And why that sigh?

_Stu._ I was attentive, madam; and sighs will come we know not why.
Perhaps I have been too busy. If it should seem so, impute my zeal
to friendship, that meant to guard you against evil tongues. Your
Beverley is wronged; slandered most vilely. My life upon his truth.

_Mrs. Bev._ And mine too. Who is't that doubts it? But no matter--I
am prepared, Sir.--Yet why this caution?--You are my husband's
friend; I think you mine too; the common friend of both. (_Pauses_)
I had been unconcerned else.

_Stu._ For heaven's sake, madam, be so still! I meant to guard you
_against_ suspicion, not to alarm it.

_Mrs. Bev._ Nor have you, Sir. Who told you of suspicion? I have a
heart it cannot reach.

_Stu._ Then I am happy--I would say more, but am prevented.

SCENE V.

_Re-enter CHARLOTTE._

_Mrs. Bev._ Who was it, Charlotte?

_Char._ What a heart has that Jarvis!--A creditor, sister. But the
good old man has taken him away. Don't distress his wife! Don't
distress his sister! I could hear him say. 'Tis cruel to distress
the afflicted. And when he saw me at the door, he begged pardon that
his friend had knocked so loud.

_Stu._ I wish I had known of this. Was it a large demand, madam?

_Char._ I heard not that; but visits such as these, we must expect
often. Why so distressed, sister? This is no new affliction.

_Mrs. Bev._ No, Charlotte; but I am faint with watching;

quite sunk and spiritless. Will you excuse me, Sir? I'll to my
chamber, and try to rest a little.

_Stu._ Good thoughts go with you, madam.
[_Exit Mrs. Beverley._
My bait is taken then. (_Aside._) Poor Mrs. Beverley! How my heart
grieves to see her thus!

_Char._ Cure her, and be a friend then.

_Stu._ How cure her, madam?