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.
Char. Useless I am sure it is, if through mistaken friendship, or other motives, you feed his passion with your purse, and sooth it by example. Physicians, to cure fevers, keep from the patient’s thirsty lip the cup that would inflame him; You give it to his hands. (A knocking.) Hark, Sir! These are my brother’s desperate symptoms. Another creditor.
Stu. One not so easily got rid of—What, Lewson!