The Gamester | Page 9

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._
SCENE VIII. _Changes to _STUKELY'S_ lodgings._
_Enter STUKELY._
_Stu._ That Lewson suspects me, 'tis too plain. Yet why should he suspect me? I appear the friend of Beverley as well as he. But I am rich it seems: and so I am; thanks to another's folly and my own wisdom. To what use is wisdom, but to take advantage of the weak? This Beverley's my fool: I cheat him, and he calls me friend. But more business must be done yet. His wife's jewels are unsold;
so is the reversion of his uncle's estate. I must have these too. And then there's a treasure above all. I love his wife. Before she knew this Beverley, I loved her; but like a cringing fool, bowed at a distance, while He stept in and won her. Never, never will I forgive him for it. My pride, as well as love, is wounded by this conquest. I must have vengeance. Those hints, this morning, were well thrown in. Already they have fastened on her. If jealousy should weaken her affections, want may corrupt her virtue. My hate rejoyces in the hope. These jewels may do much. He shall demand them of her; which, when mine, shall be converted to special purposes.--What now, Bates?
SCENE IX.
_Enter BATES._
_Bates._ Is it a wonder then to see me? The forces are in readiness, and only wait for orders. Where's Beverley?
_Stu._ At last night's rendezvous, waiting for Me. Is Dawson with you?
_Bates._ Dressed like a nobleman; with money in his pocket, and a set of dice that shall deceive the devil.
_Stu._ That fellow has a head to undo a nation. But for the rest, they are such low-mannered, ill-looking dogs, I wonder Beverley has not suspected them.
_Bates._ No matter for manners and looks: do You supply them with money, and they are gentlemen by profession. The passion of gaming casts such a mist before the eyes, that the nobleman shall be surrounded with sharpers, and imagine himself in the best company.
_Stu._ There's that Williams too: it was He, I suppose, that called at Beverley's with the note this morning. What directions did you give him?
_Bates._ To knock loud, and be clamorous. Did not you see him?
_Stu._ No. The fool sneaked off with Jarvis. Had he appeared within-doors, as directed, the note had been discharged. I waited there on purpose. I want the women to think well of me; for Lewson's grown suspicious; he told me so himself.
_Bates._ What answer did you make him?
_Stu._ A short one. That I would see him soon, for farther explanation.
_Bates._ We must take care of him. But what have we to do with Beverley? Dawson and the rest are wondering at you.
_Stu._ Why let them wonder. I have designs above Their narrow reach. They see me lend him money; and they stare at me. But they are fools. I want him to believe me beggared by him.
_Bates._ And what then?
_Stu._ Ay, there's the question; but no matter. At night you may know more. He waits for me at Wilson's. I told the women where to find him.
_Bates._ To what purpose?
_Stu._ To save suspicion. It looked friendly; and they thanked me. Old Jarvis was dispatched to