Chapter 10

Mr. ANDREWS's house.

ANDREWS and JEFFERSON.

ANDREWS. What,--my old faithful steward!--O! impossible. And yet, this finding of the secret key Of the cash-chest, (with which he charg'd my wife) And medals in his trunk--but then the letter, Giving me information of this matter Has not the writer's name--that causes doubt-- Then, his surprize, which seem'd so unaffected, With his most firm behaviour, so unlike The consciousness of guilt, when in his presence They were discover'd there, favour him much. Wherefore, till this affair be further canvass'd I wou'd not fend him to a public prison. [He walks to and fro.]

JEFFERSON. I shall obey.--He never judg'd more justly. [Aside, as he goes off.]

Enter a Servant, with a letter to Mr. ANDREWS, which he reads.

ANDREWS. The Speedwell cast away! a heavy loss! Ills upon Ills in train pursue each other. Heard you of this before?

JEFFERSON. Such rumour was On the Exchange to-day, but not with certainty.

ANDREWS. However she's insur'd, and highly too. Go fetch the policy, I wish to see it. Or rather wait me in the compting-house.

JEFFERSON. [As he goes off] O heav'n! I gave the money to his wife. [Exit.]

ANDREWS. He seem'd confus'd, and mutter'd to himself; My fears anticipate some dread event. But what of this? shou'd it be heav'n's high will, That the remorseless billows should ingulf The remnant of my wealth; yet this--all this, I cou'd with patient resignation bear, And toil with pleasure for an honest pittance. But oh! to lose that precious, treasur'd gem, Which my whole soul engross'd--to see another, In my disgrace exult--yet more--yet more-- My children--oh my children--must ye suffer! Away all thoughts of peace henceforth for ever. [Goes off.]