Chapter 7

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY._

_Mrs. Bev._ Good morning, Sir. I heard your voice, and, as I thought, enquiring for me. Where's Mr. Stukely, Charlotte?

_Char._ This moment gone. You have been in tears, sister; but here's a friend shall comfort you.

_Lew._ Or if I add to your distresses, I'll beg your pardon, madam. The sale of your house and furniture was finished yesterday.

_Mrs. Bev._ I know it, Sir. I know too your generous reason for putting me in mind of it. But you have obliged me too much already.

_Lew._ There are trifles, madam, which you have set a value on: those I have purchased, and will deliver. I have a friend too that esteems you; he has bought largely, and will call nothing his, till he has seen you. If a visit to him would not be painful, he has begged it may be this morning.

_Mrs. Bev._ Not painful in the least. My pain is from the kindness of my friends. Why am I to be obliged beyond the power of return?

_Lew._ You shall repay us at your own time. I have a coach waiting at the door. Shall we have Your company, madam? [_To Charlotte._

_Char._ No. My brother may return soon; I'll stay and receive him.

_Mrs. Bev._ He may want a comforter, perhaps. But don't upbraid him, Charlotte. We shan't be absent long. Come, Sir, since I _must_ be so obliged.

_Lew._ 'Tis I that am obliged. An hour or less will be sufficient for us. We shall find you at home, madam? (_To Charlotte._) [_Exit with Mrs. Beverley._

_Char._ Certainly. I have but little inclination to appear abroad. O! this brother! this brother! to what wretchedness has he reduced us! [_Exit._