Chapter 27

SCENE, __BEVERLEY'S_ lodgings._

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY, CHARLOTTE, and LEWSON._

_Charlotte._ The smooth-tongued hypocrite!

_Lew._ But we have found him, and will requite him. Be chearful, madam; (_To Mrs. Beverley_) and for the insults of this ruffian, you shall have ample retribution.

_Mrs. Bev._ But not by violence--Remember you have sworn it: I had been silent else.

_Lew._ You need not doubt me; I shall be cool as patience.

_Mrs. Bev._ See him to-morrow then.

_Lew._ And why not now? By heaven, the veriest worm that crawls is made of braver 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._