Chapter 6

A small Room at Mr. Drave's.

Mrs. DRAVE and AUGUSTA.

_Mrs. D._ I know not how to act. My husband suffers, and I am too much affected myself, to be able to afford him consolation--Oh, this Brook! who would have thought him so mean?

_Augusta._ Do not mention him, dear mother.

_Mrs. D._ To accuse your father of having made a false inventory! 'Tis an unheard-of baseness--and your father behaves with such fortitude and composure--gives up all he is worth, and----Hush! who is coming?

Enter DRAVE, a Magistrate and his attendants.

_Mag._ What room is this?

_Mr. D._ My fitting room.

_Mag._ So! N deg. 14. [writes it down: an attendant marks it on the door].--No closets in the wainscot here?

_Mr. D._ No.

_Mag._ Nothing concealed?

_Mr. D._ No.

_Mag._ Unlock this desk. [Drave unlocks it, Mag. tumbles over the papers].

_Mr. D._ Softly, Sir; you disorder----

_Mag._ You can put them to rights again [takes up a book].--What is this?

_Mr. D._ My account-book.

_Mag._ Is it?

_Mr. D._ 'Tis in your hands, you may examine it.

_Mag._ [giving the book to the attendants]. Put that with the rest--[sits down].

_Mr. D._ Have you done here?

_Mag._ Patience [fans his face with the papers he has in his hand]. Very hot to-day. [Pointing to a small trunk]? What is that?

_Augusta._ Trifles: some ladies dresses.

_Mag._ Open it.

_Mrs. D._ 'Tis only some linen.

_Mag._ Turn it upside down, that I may see if there is nothing else.

_Mr. D._ [hastily]. Sir! [Mrs. D. steps between him and the Mag].

_Mag._ [rising]. What's the matter?

_Mr. D._ [more calm]. Must that be?

_Mag._ [turning over the things without looking at Drave]. Perhaps--[Looking round to an attendant] Take that desk into the drawing-room to the rest.

_Mr. D._ Stay, Sir; I want it here, to shut up my papers.

_Mag._ Afterwards, afterwards. Besides, this is not a time to shut up any thing. [Drave walks up and down]. Where are the accounts of your guardianship?

_Mr. D._ Down stairs.

_Mag._ I must have a look there. Now, Sir, if you please! [Mag. and D. exeunt.

Enter a Servant.

_Serv._ [to Augusta]. I have done as you desired, Ma'am; he will come immediately. [Exit Serv.

_Mrs. D._ Who, Augusta?

_Augusta._ Dear mother, forgive me! I sent for the Counsellor.

_Mrs. D._ How? the Counsellor?

_Augusta._ I will try this once. But you must go; you shall not be witness of my humiliation.

_Mrs. D._ But your father?

_Augusta._ If I succeed, he will forgive me.--I hear somebody at the door: leave me now.

_Mrs. D._ Take my best wishes, my dear girl. [Exit.

Enter the COUNSELLOR.

_Counsellor._ You have had the goodness to desire----

_Augusta_ [with dignity]. I requested your company.

_Counsellor._ Notwithstanding your father's ill treatment of me this morning, I willingly forget it, as you desire my return. And now my fair sufferer, in what can I serve you?

_Augusta._ You have often told me, that you were interested in my happiness, that you loved me.--I am now unhappy--prove the truth of your assertions, by acting as becomes you--Help us.

_Counsellor._ With all my heart, if it were in my power; you may rely----

_Augusta._ Mr. Rose's misfortune bears hard upon my father. By moderation and indulgence, he may be saved; and it is for this purpose that I apply to you.

_Counsellor_ [walking up and down in seeming agitation]. Yes, yes--good God!----but----

_Augusta._ He can pay, but not instantly--not now--by degrees only.

_Counsellor._ My charming lady, I have no power in these things.

_Augusta._ Yes, Sir! you have power to soften your father's heart.

_Counsellor._ I am grieved indeed--truly sorry to refuse you any thing--I have so much esteem for you!

_Augusta._ Be generous, Sir, I intreat you.

_Counsellor._ You are such a lovely petitioner, that I could almost forgive adversity, as it unfolds so many charms in you: but indeed your father has offended all his friends--it is impossible.

_Augusta._ In the name of humanity, be generous.

_Counsellor._ Charming good lady! I cannot assist you--not now, afterwards perhaps----

_Augusta_ [in tears]. Unfeeling man!

_Counsellor._ Dear young lady! be comforted--things may turn out better than you expect.--Indeed I am deeply afflicted: if I could assist you, you might depend upon me--forgive me, my dear Augusta! I must leave you now. I humbly thank you for your flattering attention. [Exit.

_Mrs. D._ [entering hastily]. Merciful heaven! must it come to that?

_Augusta._ Speak, mother; what is the matter?

[Mr. D. enters, followed by Philip Brook]. Such an infamous fellow! I could bear no longer.

_Mrs. D._ To strike a magistrate! Oh, what will be the consequence?

_Philip._ Do not alarm yourself on this account, Madam. I am witness he exceeded his power. Be composed. We have no time to lose. In the first place, we must prevent this affair from proceeding farther; you will therefore consider my property as your own.

_Mr. D._ No!

_Philip._ Why not? I cannot lose by it.

_Mr. D._ You do not know that. A merchant is above all people liable to accidents.

_Philip._ But, my dear Sir!

_Mr. D._ My refusal does not proceed from pride. Heaven sent me this trial. Supported by the consciousness of having done my duty, I can bear misfortune; but dare not throw it upon you. If you will assist me, my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and Augusta, behave with fortitude; your courage will console me.----Look at me, Brook. Do I appear dejected? Do not I seem rather to be upheld by an unknown, sacred power? I cannot account for it, but this change does not affect me so sensibly.--Come, my friend! why so serious?

_Philip._ Then you deny my wishes?

_Mr. D._ I dare not consent.

_Philip._ You are the father of a family.

_Mr. D._ And God above, the father of innocent sufferers.

(Enter a Servant hastily).

_Serv._ For God's sake, Sir, what has happened? there are two men come to arrest you.

_Mr. D._ Whom?

_Serv._ You! A writ from the Chancellor.

_Mr. D._ That is too much.

_Philip._ Too much? No! just enough; exactly what I wanted! [With coldness] Go, in the name of God!

_Mr. D._ So publicly! 'tis hard.--Fortune, character, perhaps life----all in one day----Well, well, take it wretch, and God forgive thee!----[embraces his wife and daughter]. Brook, support my wife and child--[leaving them]. Soon, soon, we shall meet again! [Exit.

[Mrs. Drave and Augusta following him].

_Philip_ [stopping them]. Stay; you must be composed. Go into your own room; promise me not to leave it.

_Mrs. D._ What do you require?

_Philip._ Go in there. I must leave you now. I shall return--Adieu!

_Augusta._ Pray, Sir, stop!

_Mrs. D._ Where are you going, my dear friend?

_Philip_ [with forced coldness]. A short way. [Looking at his watch] In half an hour I shall return. Should I not--but you will certainly see me then. [Exit, leading Mrs. D. and Augusta to the door.]