_Mrs. D._ Should you become a husband, a father--then, when you regard your child as I now do mine, may the remembrance of these moments never sit heavy on your heart!--Now my last word: I release you from all your promises--I forgive you. With this wish let us part for ever--God forgive you, as I do! [Going. _Lewis_ [detaining her]. Oh, Madam! had not Mr. Drave been so unkind to me, I should now perhaps have been happy with Augusta!--Yes, yes, I love her still; and Heaven be my witness---- _Mrs. D._ Do not mistake me; I mean not to awaken compassion for my daughter. If you arc sincere, restore my husband. _Lewis._ I here vow---- _Mrs. D._ Then first save your brother, who is persecuted for a noble action. _Lewis._ A noble action? Which of his mean attempts can you call by that title? _Mrs. D._ [surprised]. What did you say? _Lewis._ Shall I release him, when he only seeks, my destruction? _Mrs. D._ He? he seek your destruction? _Lewis._ His design was to enforce the clause of my father's will: for this purpose, he went to-day to the Chancellor's; but his scheme failing, he forgot the mask of virtue which he had assumed, and exhibited the rage of a disappointed demon. _Mrs. D._ Who imposed this falsehood upon you?--No! no. He came forward to defend Drave, threatened to disclose secrets.--They fear him! and for this reason he was arrested. _Lewis._ But still his pocket-book contains the proofs of his base intentions. _Mrs. D._ Have you seen it? _Lewis._ No! _Mrs. D._ And believe so lightly? _Lewis._ Why, the Chancellor---- _Mrs. D._ Is the person who put your uncle in prison. Lewis, save your brother, he is innocent. _Lewis._ Well, they shall shew me the pocket-book; but you will find---- _Mrs. D._ Go rather to your brother's lodgings; the Counsellor is there, examining his writings--go immediately--be speedy. _Lewis._ Well, I will satisfy you. It is not far--Under some pretext I will bring the Counsellor himself into this very room; then you shall be witness---- _Mrs. D._ Why? _Lewis._ If you prefer it, you can go into that room, and over-hear our conversation: but depend upon it, notwithstanding all outward appearances, my brother's heart is full of malice. [Exit. Enter AUGUSTA. _Mrs. D._ Be not afflicted, my dear Augusta--compose yourself. He appears to be misled rather than wicked. Yet they have drawn so artful a snare about him, that I fear it will be difficult to destroy it. _Augusta._ Will it? _Mrs. D._ God grant this moment may prove fortunate, and fully convince him of their villainy! _Counsellor_ [without]. I can't, upon my honour, I am so busy---- _Lewis_ [without]. Pshaw! don't stand on ceremony. _Mrs. D._ They are coming, let us be gone. _Augusta._ Who? _Mrs. D._ Come, come. [Exeunt. Enter LEWIS and COUNSELLOR. _Lewis._ It would be too late afterwards, I assure you. _Counsellor._ Very singular! Suppose you had not met with me?