The Gamester | Page 8

think you mine too; the common friend of both. (_Pauses_) I had been unconcerned else.
_Stu._ For heaven's sake, madam, be so still! I meant to guard you against suspicion, not to alarm it.
_Mrs. Bev._ Nor have you, Sir. Who told you of suspicion? I have a heart it cannot reach.
_Stu._ Then I am happy--I would say more, but am prevented.
SCENE V.
_Re-enter CHARLOTTE._
_Mrs. Bev._ Who was it, Charlotte?
_Char._ What a heart has that Jarvis!--A creditor, sister. But the good old man has taken him away. Don't distress his wife! Don't distress his sister! I could hear him say. 'Tis cruel to distress the afflicted. And when he saw me at the door, he begged pardon that his friend had knocked so loud.
_Stu._ I wish I had known of this. Was it a large demand, madam?
_Char._ I heard not that; but visits such as these, we must expect often. Why so distressed, sister? This is no new affliction.
_Mrs. Bev._ No, Charlotte; but I am faint with watching;
quite sunk and spiritless. Will you excuse me, Sir? I'll to my chamber, and try to rest a little.
_Stu._ Good thoughts go with you, madam. [_Exit Mrs. Beverley._ My bait is taken then. (_Aside._) Poor Mrs. Beverley! How my heart grieves to see her thus!
_Char._ Cure her, and be a friend then.
_Stu._ How cure her, madam?
_Char._ Reclaim my brother.
_Stu._ Ay; give him a new creation; or breathe another soul into him. I'll think on't, madam. Advice, I see, is thankless.
_Char._ Useless I am sure it is, if through mistaken friendship, or other motives, you feed his passion with your purse, and sooth it by example. Physicians, to cure fevers, keep from the patient's thirsty lip the cup that would inflame him; You give it to his hands. (_A knocking._) Hark, Sir! These are my brother's desperate symptoms. Another creditor.
_Stu._ One not so easily got rid of--What, Lewson!
SCENE VI.
_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.
SCENE VII.
_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY._
_Mrs. Bev._ Good