_Stu._ Such thoughts indeed would wrong him. The world is full of slander; and every wretch that knows himself unjust, charges his neighbour with like passions; and by the general frailty, hides his own. If you are wise, and would be happy, turn a deaf ear to such reports: 'tis ruin to believe them. _Mrs. Bev._ Ay, worse than ruin. 'Twould be to sin against conviction. Why was it mentioned? _Stu._ To guard you against rumour. The sport of half mankind is mischief; and 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.