_Stu._ 'Tis false. I found you a villain; therefore employed you--But no more of this--We have embarked too far in mischief to recede. Lewson is dead; and we are all principals in his murder. Think of that. There's time enough for pity, when ourselves are out of danger. Beverley still lives, though in a jail. His ruin will sit heavy on him; and discoveries may be made to undo us all. Something must be done, and speedily. You saw him quarrelling with Lewson in the street last night? [_To Bates._ _Bates._ I did; his steward, Jarvis, saw him too. _Stu._ And shall attest it. Here's matter to work upon. An unwilling evidence carries weight with him. Something of my design I have hinted t'you before. Beverley must be the author of this murder; and We the parties to convict him. But how to proceed, will require time and thought--Come along with Me; the room within is fitter for privacy. But no compassion, Sir--(_To Dawson_) We want leisure for't--This way. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II. _changes to _BEVERLEY'S_ lodgings_. _Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY, and CHARLOTTE._ _Mrs. Bev._ No news of Lewson yet? _Char._ None. He went out early, and knows not what has happened. _Mrs. Bev._ The clock strikes eight--I'll wait no longer. _Char._ Stay but till Jarvis comes. He has sent twice to stop us till we see him. _Mrs. Bev._ I have no life in this separation. O! what a night was last night! I would not pass another such, to purchase worlds by it. My poor Beverley too! What must He have felt!--The very thought distracts me! To have him torn at midnight from me! A loathsome prison his habitation! A cold damp room his lodging! The bleak winds, perhaps, blowing upon his pillow! No fond wife to lull him to his rest! and no reflections but to wound and tear him!--'Tis too horrible! I wanted love for him, or they had not forced him from me. They should have parted soul and body first. I was too tame. _Char._ You must not talk so. All that we could we did; and Jarvis did the rest. The faithful creature will give him comfort. Why does he delay coming? _Mrs. Bev._ And there's another fear. His poor master may be claiming the last kind office from him--His heart perhaps is breaking. _Char._ See where he comes!--His looks are chearful too. SCENE III. _Enter JARVIS._ _Mrs. Bev._ Are tears then chearful? Alas, he weeps! Speak to him Charlotte: I have no tongue to ask him questions. _Char._ How does your master, Jarvis? _Jar._ I am old and foolish, madam; and tears will come before my words--But don't You weep. (_To Mrs. Beverley._) I have a tale of joy for you. _Mrs. Bev._ What tale? Say but he's well, and I have joy enough. _Jar._ His mind too shall be well; all shalt be well--I have news for him that shall make his poor heart bound again!--Fie upon old age! how childish it makes me! I have a tale of joy for you, and my tears drown it. _Char._ Shed them in showers then, and make haste to tell it. _Mrs. Bev._ What is it, Jarvis?