Chapter 6

_Enter LEWSON._

_Lew._ Madam, your servant. Yours, Sir. I was enquiring for you at your lodgings.

_Stu._ This morning? You had business then?

_Lew._ You'll call it by another name, perhaps. Where's Mr. Beverley, madam?

_Char._ We have sent to enquire for him.

_Lew._ Is he abroad then? He did not use to go out so early.

_Char._ No; nor to stay out so late.

_Lew._ Is that the case? I am sorry for it. But Mr. Stukely, perhaps, may direct you to him.

_Stu._ I have already, Sir. But what was your business with Me?

_Lew._ To congratulate you upon your late successes at play. Poor Beverley! But You are his friend; and there's a comfort in having successful friends.

_Stu._ And what am I to understand by this?

_Lew._ That Beverley's a poor man, with a rich friend; that's all.

_Stu._ Your words would mean something, I suppose. Another time, Sir, I shall desire an explanation.

_Lew._ And why not now? I am no dealer in long sentences. A minute or two will do for me.

_Stu._ But not for Me, Sir. I am slow of apprehension, and must have time and privacy. A lady's presence engages my attention. Another morning I may be found at home.

_Lew._ Another morning then, I'll wait upon you.

_Stu._ I shall expect you, Sir. Madam, your servant. [_Exit._

_Char._ What mean you by this?

_Lew._ To hint to him that I know him.

_Char._ How know him? Mere doubt and supposition!

_Lew._ I shall have proof soon.

_Char._ And what then? Would you risk your life to be his punisher?

_Lew._ My life, madam! Don't be afraid. And yet I am happy in your concern for me. But let it content you that I know this Stukely. 'Twould be as easy to make him honest as brave.

_Char._ And what d'you intend to do?

_Lew._ Nothing, till I have proof. Yet my suspicions are well-grounded. But methinks, madam, I am acting here without authority. Could I have leave to call Mr. Beverley brother, his concerns would be my own. Why will you make my services appear officious?

_Char._ You know my reasons, and should not press me. But I am cold, you say: and cold I will be, while a poor sister's destitute. My heart bleeds for her! and till I see her sorrows moderated, love has no joys for me. _Lew._ Can I be less a friend by being a brother? I would not say an unkind thing; but the pillar of your house is shaken. Prop it with another, and it shall stand firm again. You must comply.

_Char._ And will, when I have peace within myself. But let us change the subject. Your business here this morning is with my sister. Misfortunes press too hard upon her: yet till to day she has borne them nobly.

_Lew._ Where is she?

_Char._ Gone to her chamber. Her spirits failed her.

_Lew._ I hear her coming. Let what has passed with Stukely be a secret. She has already too much to trouble her.