The Female Gamester | Page 8

Gorges Edmond Howard
fears; or did I hear The peal of her death bell, I shou'd not wonder. Was she not up all night? Was ever seen Such rapid havock as this life of riot Spreads o'er her bloom, which ev'ry art abash'd, Now vainly practis'd to repair its ruin! Sad victim to the world's most baleful fashions!
MARIA. Some friends staid later here last night than usual. But if you knew how much she's indispos'd, I'm sure 'twould pierce your heart; as I well know, You love her tenderly, as she does you.
ANDREWS. Wou'd I had lov'd her less, or ne'er had seen her! Retire awhile, I pray--I wou'd be private.
MARIA. [As she goes off] We now shall execute the scheme I plann'd.
ANDREWS. I am the veriest wretch that breathes the air, And nought but desperation is before me.
[A Servant BOY enters hastily at a different door, as if passing to another room, with a letter in his hand, starts, (as if at seeing his master) and affects to conceal the letter.]
ANDREWS. You seem confus'd--What paper's that?
BOY. 'Tis, sir--'tis a letter--
ANDREWS. From whom? and to whom?
BOY. From, sir,--Why, 'tis--
[He seizes the boy's hand, who drops the letter, and whilst his master is taking it up, runs off.]
ANDREWS. Ha! what, gone off! how guilt betrays itself! Here is some secret scheme--'tis in my wife's hand. The superscription to my old friend Wilson-- I never yet approv'd of opening letters By any, save by those to whom address'd; But to detect deceit, such means are just; And here it seems, as matters were on foot, With which, 'tis meant I should not be acquainted. Besides, of late, I have at times surpriz'd them in close and intimate discourse together; When, it now strikes me, they seem'd much confounded. Upon the whole, I think I ought to read it: Necessity demands the doubtful deed. [He opens and reads the letter.]
"Sir, I might have thought the repulse you so lately receiv'd, with the declaration I then made of acquainting my husband with your conduct, would have deterred you from ever making any further attempt.--How fatal might the consequences prove should I discover your behaviour to him? Is this your friendship? Know, base man! that whatever my follies and indiscretions may be in other respects, there is not any distress shall lead me to an act against the honour of Elizabeth Andrews."
Am I awake! or is this all a dream? My friend--seduce my wife? it cannot be! [Looks again on the letter.] It surely is her hand--it must be so. She's now but in her prime, and few so beautiful-- Then his strict charge this morning, not to mention What he himself had told me was reported Of her and the lord Belmour, with this letter, Are proofs which make this matter nearly certain. What ruin is at hand!------ [He pauses.]
Enter MARIA hastily.
Woman, your business?
MARIA. My lady, sir, is up, and begs to see you; Or she will wait on you.
ANDREWS. I choose the latter. [She goes off.] How wond'rous condescending of a sudden! Shou'd this be a true charge in this dread letter, All he has mentioned of her and lord Belmour, May be a base invention for his purpose-- Yet, may not both be true?--distracting state!
Enter Mrs. ANDREWS.
[He in profound thought, and not observing her.]
Mrs. ANDREWS. He heeds me not. The letter strongly works. [Aside.] I've been inform'd, sir, that you wish'd to see me. You seem disturb'd; acquaint me with the cause.
ANDREWS. Forbear to question me. I am not well.
Mrs. ANDREWS. You yield too much to melancholy thoughts.
ANDREWS. True--Melancholy hath been long my portion; As I've too long the fatal cause conceal'd: But ev'ry duty now, to heaven, to you, To my poor children, to myself, all, all Demand it from the husband and the father, That you, oh! you, are the sole, fatal cause. [She offers to withdraw, he shuts the door.]
Mrs. ANDREWS. How your looks scare me! what have I committed?
ANDREWS. O! many things you should not have committed. To number all the mischiefs which your conduct, Your most misguided conduct hath induc'd On those, to whom, each law divine and human Had bound you in affiection's strongest ties, Were but a needless waste of time and speech. [Aside] Heav'n! what contempt and scorn her looks betray! O Gaming! cursed vice! parent of all! How callous grow the hearts of all thy votaries! And how hast thou this once soft bosom chang'd! Nor is her form less alter'd than her mind. [Turning to her] Perverse and obstinate! as adders deaf!
Mrs. ANDREWS. Your words are not unheard.
ANDREWS. It matters not; Without due heed, 'twere speaking to the winds. Have you yet thought, how you could bear the change, The bitter change from affluence to poverty, Which ev'ry want will bring to your remembrance? We
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