Chapter 23

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY, and _Lucy_._

_Mrs. Bev._ Did Charlotte tell you any thing?

_Lucy_. No, madam.

_Mrs. Bev._ She looked confused methought; said she had business with her Lewson; which, when I pressed to know, tears only were her answer.

_Lucy._ She seemed in haste too: yet her return may bring you comfort.

_Mrs. Bev._ No, my kind girl; I was not born for't. But why do I distress thee? Thy sympathizing heart bleeds for the ills of others. What pity that thy mistress can't reward thee! But there's a power above, that sees, and will remember all. Prithee, sooth me with the song thou sung'st last night: it suits this change of fortune; and there's a melancholy in't that pleases me.

_Lucy_. I fear it hurts you, madam. Your goodness too draws tears from me: but I'll dry them, and obey you.

SONG.

When Damon languish'd at my feet, And I believ'd him true, The moments of delight how sweet! But ah! how swift they flew! The sunny hill, the flow'ry vale, The garden and the grove, Have echoed to his ardent tale, And vows of endless love.

II.

The conquest gain'd, he left his prize, He left her to complain; To talk of joy with weeping eyes, And measure time by pain. But heav'n will take the mourner's part, In pity to despair; And the last sigh that rends the heart, Shall waft the spirit there.

_Mrs. Bev._ I thank thee, Lucy; I thank heaven too my griefs are none of these. Yet Stukely deals in hints--He talks of rumours--I'll urge him to speak plainly--Hark?--There's some one entering.

_Lucy._ Perhaps my master, madam. [_Exit._

_Mrs. Bev._ Let him be well too, and I am satisfied. (_Goes to the door, and listens._) No; 'tis another's voice; his had been music to me. Who is it, Lucy?