raver spirit than this Stukely. Yet for my promise, I'll
deal gently with him. I mean to watch his looks: from those, and
from his answers to my charge, much may be learnt. Next I'll to
Bates, and sift him to the bottom. If I fail there, the gang is
numerous, and for a bribe will each betray the other. Good night;
I'll lose no time.
[_Exit._

_Mrs. Bev._ These boisterous spirits! how they wound me! But
reasoning is in vain. Come, Charlotte; we'll to our usual watch. The
night grows late.

_Char._ I am fearful of events; yet pleased--To-morrow may relieve
us.
[_Going._

SCENE II.

_Enter JARVIS._

_Char._ How now, good Jarvis?

_Jar._ I have heard ill news, madam.

_Mrs. Bev._ What news? Speak quickly.

_Jar._ Men are not what they seem. I fear me, Mr. Stukely is
dishonest.

_Char._ We know it, Jarvis. But what's your news?

_Jar._ That there's an action against my master, at his friend's
suit.

_Mrs. Bev._ O, villain! villain! 'twas this he threatened then. Run
to that den of robbers, Wilson's--Your master may be there. Entreat
him home, good Jarvis. Say I have business with him--But tell him
not of Stukely--It may provoke him to revenge--Haste! haste! good
Jarvis.
[_Exit Jarvis._

_Char._ This minister of hell! O, I could tear him piece-meal!

_Mrs. Bev._ I am sick of such a world. Yet heaven is just; and in
its own good time, will hurl destruction on such monsters.
[_Exeunt._

SCENE III. _changes to _STUKELY'S_ lodgings._

_Enter STUKELY, and BATES, meeting_.

_Bates._ Where have you been?

_Stu._ Fooling my time away: playing my tricks, like a tame monkey,
to entertain a woman--No matter where-- I have been vext and
disappointed. Tell me of Beverley. How bore he his last shock?

_Bates._ Like one (so Dawson says) whose senses had been numbed by
misery. When all was lost, he fixed his eyes upon the ground, and
stood some time, with folded arms, stupid and motionless. Then
snatching his sword, that hung against the wainscot, he sat him
down; and with a look of fixt attention, drew figures on the floor.
At last he started up, looked wild, and trembled; and like a woman,
seized with her sex's fits, laughed out aloud, while the tears
trickled down his face--so left the room.

_Stu._ Why, this was madness.

_Bates._ The madness of despair.

_Stu._ We must confine him then. A prison would do well. (_A
knocking at the door._) Hark! that knocking may be his. Go that way
d