_ACT V._

SCENE I.

Apartment at Mr. Drave's House.

Mrs. DRAVE.--AUGUSTA.

(Augusta entering with a letter in her hand, which
she gives to her Mother.)

_Augusta._ Here is a letter from Philip Brook's landlord.

_Mrs. D._ [reads]--How!

_Augusta._ What does it contain?

_Mrs. D._ I'll read it you. "Madam---Counsellor Fleffel has come with a
warrant to examine Mr. Brook's apartment. He has forced the locks of
his bureau and drawers, and seized the papers. I think they must be of
great importance, for he is in a violent passion, and talks of
treasonable practices, of libels, of revenge."----Our worthy friend,
too, the prey of powerful enemies! It is hard.

_Augusta._ But what can he have to apprehend from them?

_Mrs. D._ The abuse or suppression of his papers.

_A Servant entering._ Mr. Lewis Brook, Ma'am, wishes to see you.

_Mrs. D._ [angrily]. How? he dares----

_Serv._ I denied you twice, but he insists on seeing you.

_Mrs. D._ Tell him I can have no concern with one who has acted as he
has done. [Exit Servant.

_Augusta._ His very name terrifies me so much.--

Enter LEWIS with the Servant.

_Lewis._ I must speak to her [perceiving Mrs. D. he casts his eyes upon
the ground. Augusta hastily leaves the room].

_Mrs. D._ Frederick, did you deliver my answer to the gentleman?

_Lewis._ He did; but, Madam--pray leave us Frederick--[Exit Servant]. I
beg, Madam----

_Mrs. D._ What do you desire? Have you any demands upon me in
particular? [shrugs her shoulders]. I am unable to pay, for they have
taken every thing from me.

_Lewis._ You think me a villain: you are deceived; let me therefore
explain----

_Mrs. D._ Explain, Sir? This empty room, our misery, my husband in
prison these are explanations sufficient.

_Lewis._ As my presence is so disagreeable to you, I will immediately
retire.--But let me first promise you, that the day I come of age, I
will entirely restore what you have lost. [Lays a paper on the table].
I leave with you this paper, legally drawn up to that effect. Thus I
hope to make reparation for my want of thought, and for the uneasiness
I have caused. [Going.

_Mrs. D._ One moment, Mr. Brook! [She takes the paper and reads it].
You restore all, you say?

_Lewis._ Yes.

_Mrs. D._ Our confidence in mankind, which you h