The Gamester | Page 8

for a single error they make men devils. If their tales
reach you, disbelieve them.
_Mrs. Bev._ What tales? By whom? Why told? I have heard nothing;
or if I had, with all his errors, my Beverley's firm faith admits no doubt.
It is my safety; my seat of rest and joy, while the storm threatens round
me. I'll not forsake it. (_Stukely sighs, and looks down_) Why turn you
from me? And why that sigh?
_Stu._ I was attentive, madam; and sighs will come we know not why.
Perhaps I have been too busy. If it should seem so, impute my zeal to
friendship, that meant to guard you against evil tongues. Your Beverley
is wronged; slandered most vilely. My life upon his truth.
_Mrs. Bev._ And mine too. Who is't that doubts it? But no matter--I am
prepared, Sir.--Yet why this caution?--You are my husband's friend; I
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