Chapter 13

Mr. ANDREWS's house.

Mrs. ANDREWS and MARIA.

MARIA. Alas! what shall I do? 'tis I, 'tis I, That should be punish'd.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Punish'd! for what?

MARIA. I've brought my husband to a shameful end.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Why this alarm? explain the mystery.

MARIA. Your safety only, and a rash resentment (Not dreaming of the fatal consequence) Made me convey the key into his trunk. And Jefferson by note, without his signature, Inform'd your husband he shou'd find it there.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Suspend, I pray you, your distress awhile. As yet, he's but imprison'd in his room: You know my husband has a tender heart, And loves him much.

MARIA. Alas! his doom is fix'd: With everlasting infamy to wait On him, and his, how innocent soever; Nor shall I 'scape the bitter tongue of scandal.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Ere that shou'd happen, I'd accuse myself. Again then, I beseech you, be compos'd. And now, Maria, I've been just inform'd, That Jefferson withdrew some hours ago, And is not to be found.

MARIA. And what of this?

Mrs. ANDREWS. Shou'd it be true, it must be thought by all, That the discovery of the secret key Was schem'd by him alone to screen himself.

MARIA. You've quite reviv'd my spirits with the thought. I think the whole is like to fall on Jefferson.

Mrs. ANDREWS. This night, I am to be at lady Meldmay's; But lady Belmour claims my first attention.

MARIA. I thought that those unfortunate discoveries Had lower'd your spirits so, you had resolv'd To keep at home this night.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Your hit is just. But it is now too late to send excuse. Where's my husband?

MARIA. He left the city, early.

Mrs. ANDREWS. 'Tis time to dress--attend me at my toilet------ [They go off.]