_Stu._ No; 'tis the mark I aim at. We'll thrive, and laugh. You are the purchaser, and there's the payment. (_Giving a pocket book._) He thinks you rich; and so you shall be. Enquire for titles, and deal hardly; 'twill look like honesty. _Bat._ How if he suspects us? _Stu._ Leave it to Me. I study hearts, and when to work upon them. Go to your lodgings; and if we come, be busy over papers. Talk of a thoughtless age, of gaming and extravagance, you have a face for't. _Bat._ A feeling too that would avoid it. We push too far; but I have cautioned you. If it ends ill, you'll think of me; and so adieu. [_Exit._ _Stu._ This fellow sins by halves; his fears are conscience to him. I'll turn these fears to use. Rogues that dread shame, will still be greater rogues to hide their guilt--This shall be thought of. Lewson grows troublesome--we must get rid of him--he knows too much. I have a tale for Beverley; part of it truth too. He shall call Lewson to account. If it succeeds, 'tis well; if not, we must try other means--But here he comes--I must dissemble. SCENE II. _Enter BEVERLEY._ Look to the door there! (_In a seeming fright._)--My friend!--I thought of other visitors. _Bev._ No: these shall guard you from them. (_Offering notes_) Take them, and use them cautiously. The world deals hardly by us. _Stu._ And shall I leave you destitute? No: Your wants are greatest. Another climate may treat me kinder. The shelter of to-night takes me from this. _Bev._ Let these be your support then. Yet is there need of parting? I may have means again; we'll share them, and live wisely. _Stu._ No. I should tempt you on. Habit is nature in me; ruin can't cure it. Even now I would be gaming. Taught by experience as I am, and knowing this poor sum is all that's left us, I am for venturing still. And say I am to blame; yet will this little supply our wants? No; we must put it out to usury. Whether 'tis madness in me, or some resistless impulse of good fortune, I yet am ignorant; but-- _Bev._ Take it, and succeed then. I'll try no more. _Stu._ 'Tis surely impulse; it pleads so strongly--But You are cold--we'll e'en part here then. And for this last reserve, keep it for better uses; I'll have none on't. I thank you though, and will seek fortune singly--One thing I had forgot-- _Bev._ What is it? _Stu._ Perhaps, 'twere best forgotten. But I am open in my nature, and zealous for the honour of my friend--Lewson speaks freely of you. _Bev._ Of You I know he does. _Stu._ I can forgive him for't; but for my friend I'm angry. _Bev._ What says he of me? _Stu._ That Charlotte's fortune is embezzled. He talks on't loudly. _Bev._ He shall be silenced then--How heard you of it? _Stu._ From many. He questioned Bates about it. You must account with him, he says. _Bev._ Or He with Me--and soon too. _Stu._ Speak mildly to him. Cautions are best. _Bev._ I'll think on't--But whither go you?