me; mortally stabbed.
Riches can't cure him.

_Bev._ Or if they could, those I have drained him of. Something of
this he hinted in the morning--that Lewson had suspicions of
him--Why these suspicions?
[_Angrily._

_Lew._ At school we knew this Stukely. A cunning plodding boy he
was, sordid and cruel. Slow at his talk, but quick at shifts and
tricking. He schemed out mischief, that others might be punished;
and would tell his tale with so much art, that for the lash he
merited, rewards and praise were given him. Shew me a boy with such
a mind, and time that ripens manhood in him, shall ripen vice too.
I'll prove him, and lay him open t'you. Till then be warned. I know
him, and therefore shun him.

_Bev._ As I would those that wrong him. You are too busy, Sir.

_Mrs. Bev._ No, not too busy--Mistaken perhaps--That had been milder.

_Lew._ No matter, madam. I can bear this, and praise the heart that
prompts it. Pity such friendship should be so placed!

_Bev._ Again, Sir!--But I'll bear too. You wrong him, Lewson, and
will be sorry for't.

_Char._ Ay, when 'tis proved he wrongs him. The world is full of
hypocrites.

_Bev._ And Stukely one--So you'd infer, I think. I'll hear no more
of this--My heart akes for him--I have undone him.

_Lew._ The world says otherwise.

_Bev._ The world is false then. I have business with you, love. (_To
Mrs. Beverley._) We'll leave them to their rancour.
[_Going._

_Char._ No. We shall find room within for't. Come this way,
Sir.
[_To Lewson._

_Lew._ Another time my friend will thank me; that time is hastening
too.
[_Exit with Charlotte._

_Bev._ They hurt me beyond bearing. Is Stukely false? Then honesty
has left us!

'Twere sinning against heaven to think so.

_Mrs. Bev._ I never doubted him.

_Bev._ No; You are charity. Meekness and ever-during patience live
in that heart, and love that knows no change--Why did I ruin you?

_Mrs. Bev._ You have not ruined me. I have no wants when You are
present, nor wishes in your absence, but to be blest with your
return. Be but resigned to what has happened, and I am rich beyond
the dreams of avarice.

_Bev._ My generous girl!--But memory will be busy; still crowding on
my thoughts, to sour the present by the past. I have another pang too.

_Mrs. Bev._ Tell it, and let me cure it.

_Bev._ That friend, that generous friend, whose fame they have
traduced--I have undone Him too. While he had means, he lent me