The Gamester (1753) Part 4

_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 dest.i.tute. 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 n.o.bly.

_Lew._ Where is she?

_Char._ Gone to her chamber. Her spirits failed her.

_Lew._ I hear her coming. Let what has pa.s.sed with Stukely be a secret. She has already too much to trouble her.

SCENE VII.

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY._

_Mrs. Bev._ Good 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 n.o.bleman; 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.