d I
have leave to call Mr. Beverley brother, his concerns would be my
own. Why will you make my services appear officious?

_Char._ You know my reasons, and should not press me. But I am cold,
you say: and cold I will be, while a poor sister's destitute. My
heart bleeds for her! and till I see her sorrows moderated, love has
no joys for me. _Lew._ Can I be less a friend by being a brother?
I would not say an unkind thing; but the pillar of your house is
shaken. Prop it with another, and it shall stand firm again. You
must comply.

_Char._ And will, when I have peace within myself. But let us change
the subject. Your business here this morning is with my sister.
Misfortunes press too hard upon her: yet till to day she has borne
them nobly.

_Lew._ Where is she?

_Char._ Gone to her chamber. Her spirits failed her.

_Lew._ I hear her coming. Let what has passed with Stukely be a
secret. She has already too much to trouble her.

SCENE VII.

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY._

_Mrs. Bev._ Good morning, Sir. I heard your voice, and, as I
thought, enquiring for me. Where's Mr. Stukely, Charlotte?

_Char._ This moment gone. You have been in tears, sister; but here's
a friend shall comfort you.

_Lew._ Or if I add to your distresses, I'll beg your pardon, madam.
The sale of your house and furniture was finished yesterday.

_Mrs. Bev._ I know it, Sir. I know too your generous reason for
putting me in mind of it. But you have obliged me too much
already.

_Lew._ There are trifles, madam, which you have set a value on:
those I have purchased, and will deliver. I have a friend too that
esteems you; he has bought largely, and will call nothing his, till
he has seen you. If a visit to him would not be painful, he has
begged it may be this morning.

_Mrs. Bev._ Not painful in the least. My pain is from the kindness
of my friends. Why am I to be obliged beyond the power of return?

_Lew._ You shall repay us at your own time. I have a coach waiting
at the door. Shall we have Your company, madam?
[_To Charlotte._

_Char._ No. My brother may return soon; I'll stay and receive him.

_Mrs. Bev._ He may want a comforter, perhaps. But don't upbraid him,
Charlotte. We shan't be absent long. Come, Sir, since I _must_ be so
obliged.

_Lew._ 'Tis I that am obliged. An hour or less will be sufficient
for us. We shall find you at home, madam? (_To Charlotte._)
[_Exit with Mrs. Beverley._

_Char._ Certainly. I have but littl