r life sooner than those jewels.

_Mrs. Bev._ He should have had it then. (_Warmly_) I live but to
oblige him. She who can love, and is beloved like Me, will do as
much. Men have done more for mistresses, and women for a base
deluder. And shall a wife do less? Your chidings hurt me, Charlotte.

_Char._ And come too late; they might have saved you else. How could
he use you so?

_Mrs. Bev._ 'Twas friendship did it. His heart was breaking for a
friend.

_Char._ The friend that has betrayed him.

_Mrs. Bev._ Prithee don't think so.

_Char._ To-morrow he accounts with Me.

_Mrs. Bev._ And fairly: I will not doubt it.

_Char._ Unless a friend has wanted--I have no patience--Sister!
sister! we are bound to curse this friend.

_Mrs. Bev._ My Beverley speaks nobly of him.

_Char._ And Lewson truly--But I displease you with this talk--To-morrow
will instruct us.

_Mrs. Bev._ Stay till it comes then. I would not think so hardly.

_Char._ Nor I, but from conviction. Yet we have hope of better days.
My uncle is infirm, and of an age that threatens hourly. Or if he
lives, You never have offended him; and for distresses so unmerited,
he will have pity.

_Mrs. Bev._ I know it, and am chearful. We have no more to lose; and
for what's gone, if it brings prudence home, the purchase is well
made.

_Char._ My Lewson will be kind too. While he and I have life and
means, You shall divide with us--And see, he's here.

SCENE IV.

_Enter LEWSON._

We were just speaking of you.

_Lew._ 'Tis best to interrupt you then. Few characters will bear a
scrutiny; and where the bad out-weighs the good, he's safest that's
least talked of. What say you, madam?
[_To Charlotte._

_Char._ That I hate scandal, though a woman; therefore talk seldom
of you.

_Mrs. Bev._ Or, with more truth, that, though a woman, she loves to
praise; therefore talks always of you. I'll leave you to decide
it.
[_Exit._

_Lew._ How good and amiable! I came to talk in private with you; of
matters that concern you.

_Char._ What matters?

_Lew._ First answer me sincerely to what I ask.

_Char._ I will--But you alarm me.

_Lew._ I am too grave, perhaps; but be assured of this, I have no
news that troubles Me, and therefore should not You.

_Char._ I am easy then. Propose your question.

_Lew._ 'Tis now a tedious twelve-month, since with an open and kind
heart, you said you loved me.

_Char._ So tedious, did you say?

_Lew._ And when