Chapter 44

_Enter BATES._

_Bates._ The news, I see, has reached you. But take comfort, madam. (_To Charlotte_) There's one without, enquiring for you. Go to him, and lose no time.

_Char._ O misery! misery! [_Exit_.

_Mrs. Bev._ Follow her, Jarvis. If it be true that Lewson's dead, her grief may kill her.

_Bates._ Jarvis must stay here, madam: I have some questions for him.

_Stu._ Rather let him fly. His evidence may crush his master.

_Bev._ Why, ay; this looks like management.

_Bates._ He found you quarrelling with Lewson in the street last night. [_To Beverley._

_Mrs. Bev._ No; I am sure he did not.

_Jar._ Or if I did--

_Mrs. Bev._ 'Tis false, old man--They had no quarrel; there was no cause for quarrel.

_Bev._ Let him proceed, I say--O! I am sick! sick! Reach me a chair. [_He sits down._

_Mrs. Bev._ You droop, and tremble, love--Your eyes are fixt too--Yet You are innocent. If Lewson's dead, You killed him not.