Bev. Ay! Them she can command, too! But I have no curiosity about her. Was she in tears? Cla. She was; and wept bitterly. How could you, brother, behave so rashly to so amiable a girl? Have you a pleasure in being the cause of her uneasiness? Cla. She will love will plead your cause. Bev. My dear sister, I am for ever obliged to you; and, Bellmont, I thank you, too. How could I wrong her so? I shall behold her once again. Is the chariot ready? I cannot help laughing at my own rashness. I won't stay for it; I am on the wing, my dear Belinda, to imBev. I the cause? You wrong me; by Hea-plore forgiveness. And so she fainted away in ven you wrong me! my lady Restless was the cause. She told me such things; she planted daggers in my very heart. the Park, and my lady Restless saw sir John afford relief? Ha, ha, ha! Whimsical enough.— Ha, ha, ha! What a strange construction her Cla. You planted daggers in Belinda's heart. crazy temper put upon it? Ha, ha! How could And it was barbarous. What, because a lady the woman be so foolish? My dear Belinda, I has not strength enough to bear up against a fa- will fly to you this moment-ha, ha!-[Going, ther, who is resolved to give her away to ano-returns.]-Sir John shall give me back the picther, and because she faints out of excessive ten- ture, and, on my knees, I will once more present derness for you, and in that distress meets acci-it to her. deutal relief from sir John Restless, at his own door Bev. How! Cla. And because my lady Restless sees this out of her window, and has a perverse talent of misinterpreting appearances into realities, to her own disadvantage; you must, therefore, fill your head with ungenerous suspicions? Oh! For shame, brother! how could you? Bev. But, is all this true? Is it really the case? Bel. How can you doubt it? You know Befinda too well: it is the case, man. Bev. I should be glad to find it 30. Cla. Well! I tell you it is so. How could you think otherwise? You know she has the best heart in the world, and is so nice of honour, that she scorns all falsehood and dissimulation. Bel. Ha, ha! my dear Beverley, you have done the absurdest thing! Bev. Why, if what you say can be made to appear--but, then, she'll never forgive my past behaviour. Cla. Po! You talk, as if you were wholly unlettered in the tempers of women. My dear brother, you know, you men can do what you please with us, when you have once gained an interest in our hearts. Go to her, I say, go to her, and make your peace. Bev. May I depend upon what you say? Bev. Then I'll fly to her this instant, humble myself to her, and promise, by all my future life, to atone for this brutal injury. Enter BRUSH. Brush. The chaise is at the door, sir. Cla. So, so! you are come to yourself, I find. Bev. She shall have the picture. I'll find sir Chu. Let us follow him: I must be present at their reconciliation. [Exit with BELLMONT. SCENE II.—An apartment at BELINDA'S. Enter BELINDA Belin. This rash, unaccountable man! how could he entertain such a suspicion! ungrateful Beverley! he almost deserves I should never see him again.-Tippet! I shan't be easy, till I hear from him. Tippet! Enter TIPPET. Is the servant returned from Mr Beverley's? Belin. I wonder what keeps him. I am upon thorns till I see the dear, ungenerous man, and explain every thing to him. Oh, Mr Beverley! how could you treat me so? But I was partly to blame; my lady Restless inflamed his mind, and I should not have trifled with his passion. Is the other servant returned from sir John Restless? Tip. He is, madam. Belin. And what answer? Tip. Sir John will wait upon you himself, madam, directly. Belin. Very well! I must get him to set every Bev. You may put up again; I shan't go out thing in its true light, and justify my conduct to Mr Beverley. And yet, the uncertainty of Bev- Tip. I dare be sworn it will, madam. Belin. Yes, sir; you seem surprised. Do you know him, sir? Sir John. Yes, yes, I know him; and he shall know me my resentment he shall feel; he shall Belin. Shew him in. Tippet, do you leave the be answerable to me. room. Enter SIR JOHN. Sir John. In compliance with your commands, madam Belin. I am obliged to you, sir, for the trouble you have been pleased to give yourself. A particular circumstance has happened in your family, to my utter disquiet. Sir John. Madamn, there have happened things in my family, to my utter disquiet, too. Belin. I am sorry for that, sir. I have been made quite unhappy, and must beg, as it is in your power, that you will be kind enough to remove the cause of my uneasiness. Sir John. Whatever I can do, you may command. Belin. Sir, I thank you, and must tell you, that your lady has done me the most irreparable injury. Sir John. She has done the same to me. My injuries are in reparable, too. But how has she injured you, madam? Belin. She has ruined me, sir, with the man I love to distraction. Sir John. Now, here something else will come to light. [Aside.]- How, how has she done that, madam? Belin. She has entirely drawn off his affections from me. Sir John. And fixed them upon herself, I suppose? Belin. I don't say that, sir. Belin. Answerable to you! Sir John. To me, madam. I told you at first this was her scheme to shelter herself; and he, I suppose, is combined with her to give this turn to the affair, and to charge me with infidelity. But you, madam, can witness for me. Belin. I can, sir: but can Mr Beverley be capable of a dishonourable action? Sir John. That point is clear enough. He has injured me in the highest degree, destroyed my happiness. Belin. How, sir! are you sure of this? Sir John. He has given her his picture; I caught her with her eyes rivetted to it; I heard her admiration, her praises of it; her wishes, that she had been married to such a man. I saw her print a thousand kisses on it; and, in the very fact, I wrested it out of her hand. Belin. If I imagined him capable of what you say, I should scarcely be willing to join myself to him for life. Quarrel with me about his picture, and at the same time give it to another! Sir John. Lady Restless had the picture. Without doubt, you must be very happy with a man of his gallantry. Belin. Happy, sir! I should be miserable; distracted; I should break my heart. But do you think you have sufficient proof? Sir John. I have seen him coming out of my house since, clandestinely, shunning every observant eye, with the characters of guilt in his face; and all the discourse I had with him, served only to convince me the more. Belin. Abandoned wretch! was this the love Sir John. But I dare say it; and I believe it. he professed for me? Sir, I have only to hope Belin. Pardon me, sir, I don't charge the lady you will vindicate me in this matter. I commend with any thing of that kind. But she has unac-myself to your honour, and I thank you for this countably taken it into her head to be jealous of me. Sir John. Jealous of you! Belin. Her ladyship saw the little offices of civility I received from you this morning; she misunderstood every thing, it seems, and has told the gentleman, with whom I was engaged in a treaty of marriage, that improper freedoms have passed between us. Sir John. Artifice! artifice! her usual policy, madam, to cover her own libertine ways. Belin. I don't mean to say any thing harsh of the lady. But you know what foundation there is for this, and I hope will do me justice. Sir John. Oh! madam, to the world, to the wide world I'll justify you. I will wait upon the favour. Sir John. Our evidences will mutually speak for each other, and confound their dark designs. Madam, I take my leave. Belin. Sir, your most obedient. Sir John. The gentleman shall feel my indignation. Belin. You cannot treat him too severely. Sir John. I will expose him, I promise you. Madam, your humble servant. [Exit. Belin. Oh! Mr Beverley, could I have imagined this? False! false man! and yet, how shall I forget him? but I will make an effort, though it pierce me to the quick. I will tear him from my heart. This moment I will write to him, and forbid him to see me more. [Erit. SCENE III.-The Park. Enter SIR JOHN. Sir John. If I can procure sufficient evidence, I shall bring the matter to a divorce, and make an example of them all. Would Marmalet were come! this is her time to a moment. If I can worm the secret out of her--Is not that she, yonder?-Not quite daylight enough to distinguish; but I think I perceive a person masked. Hist! hist!-Mrs Marmalet-she comes this way: it is she. Mrs Marmalet, your servant. Enter a Person masked. You are very good, Mrs Marmalet Mask. Bless my heart, I am scared out of my senses! Sir John. What's the matter, pray? what's the matter? Mask. Oh, sir! I tremble like a leaf. I was accosted in a rude manner by some gentleman yonder; I can't stay here, let us go into your house, sir; I beg you will. Sir John. My house? Would not any other house do as well? Musk. Oh! no, sir; not for the world. Mask. Indeed, sir John, I am frightened out of my senses. You will do me a favour, if you will take me into the house. fancy that's his voice. Do, dear sir! you'll be the ruin of my lady, if he sees you here, sir, waiting in his house: he'll be persuaded you come after my lady; the world will never beat it out of his head. Bev. But I shall give him to understandTat. He won't understand any thing. Oh lud! oh lud! he's coming up: I'll run and look. [Exit. Bev. What a flurry the woman is in! a foolish jade! I must speak with him now. Tut. [Entering.] It is he, as I am alive, sir! and there is a woman in a mask with him. Bev. A woman in a mask! Zoons, if that should be Belinda! my mind misgives me strangely! [Aside. Tat. Do, dear sir: you look like a good-natured gentleman; let me hide you out of the way, sir. You would not be the destruction of a poor servant. Bev. A mask coming home with him! I must know who that is. I won't leave the house without knowing. If I could conceal_myself-have you any private place, Mrs Tattle ? Tat. That is the very thing I mean, sir. Let me conceal you in that closet, till he passes through this room. He never stays long here. It won't take you two minutes. Do, sweet sir, I'll down on my knees to you. Bev. I must know who it is. Come, dispose of me as you will. If this should be Belinda! [Exit. Tat. Heavens bless you, sir, for this goodness! I'll lock the door, to make sure work of it. I was never so frightened in my life. [Exit: Enter SIR JOHN, and a person masked. Sir John. Mrs Marmalet, I am obliged to you for this favour. I wanted a word or two with you. Mask. So Robert informed me, sir. Sir John. Look ye, then: if you will gratify me in what I shall ask, you may command any thing. Now you may be uncovered. Mask. La sir-I hear a noise: I am afraid somebody's coming: I shall be seen. Sir John. Hush! no: there's nobody. If you will indulge me on this occasion, I am yours for ever. Here, here is a purse of money for you. Mask. But if this should come to the know Bev. That will be explained presently: I'll wait till he comes home. I can't possibly go,ledge of your lady, I am ruined and undone. without speaking to him. Tut. Indeed, you had better not stay, sir. You don't consider the mischief your being in the house may occasion. Bev. Mischief! how do you mean? Tat. Lord, sir! I would not have you stay for the world: I would not indeed. You can call again in an hour, sir, and you'll certainly find him at home then. Bless my heart, sir!-I Sir John. No, no: I'll take care of you. Mask. Will you, sir? Sir John. I will. But come; let me remove this from your face. Mask. But somebody may come. Sir John. I'll lock the door. There, now, we are safe. Mask. But in a little time you'll make up all quarrels with your lady; and I shall be ruined. Sir John. No, no; never fear; I shall never be reconciled to her: I hate her; I detest her. Lady Rest. Do you so, sir? [Unmasking.] Now, sir John, what can you say now, sir? Sir John. My lady Restless! Confusion! what shall I say ? Lady Rest. Oh, sir John! sir John! what evasion have you now, sir? Can you deny your guilt any longer? Sir John. This is unlucky! That villain Robert has betrayed me. I can't explain myself to her now. Try what soothing will do.My lady Restless, if you will but have patience, this matter shall be explained. Lady Rest. Explained, sir? Sir John. Yes, my dear, explained; andLady Rest. My dear, too!-the assurance of you! Sir John. I say, my dear; for I still regard you; and this was all done to-to-cure you of your jealousy; all done to cure you of your jealousy. Lady Rest. Do you know any thing of the key of that closet, Tattle! Tat. The key, madam? I have it, madam. Tut. That is, I have it not, madam. Don't have it, madam; don't ask for it. [Aside to her. Lady Rest. Don't ask for it! but I will have pre-it.-Give me the key this instant. Lady Rest. A fine way you have taken! Sir John. Yes, yes; and so you will see sently all to convince you how groundless your suspicions are; and then we shall live very happy together. Lady Rest. Ay! Sir John. I have no further suspicions of you. I see my error, and I want you to see your's. Ha, ha!--I have no suspicionsThat will put her off her guard. [Aside.] My dear, compose your spirits, and Lady Rest. And do you think to deny every thing, even in the face of conviction? Base, base man! I'll go this moment and write to my brother. Sir John. Now, you talk wildly. This is all raving you make yourself very ridiculous. You do, indeed. I had settled all this on purpose, and contrived that it should come to your ears, and then I knew you would do just as you have done; and then-I-I resolved to do just as I have done; only to hint to you, that listeners seldom hear any good of themselves, and to shew you how wrong it is to be too suspicious, my dear was it not well done?-ha, ha, ha ! Lady Rest. And do you laugh at me too, sir? Make me your sport? I'll go and get pen and ink this moment. Sir John. Oh! do so, madam; do so-ha, ha! you'll only expose yourself: go and write, madam-ha, ha, ha! Lady Rest. I will, sir. [Going.] This door is locked. This won't succeed, sir. I suppose you have the key? Ay, I'll lay my life you have, and some one or other of your creatures is locked in there. Sir John. There, again! This is of a piece with all your vain surmises. Ha, ha! you are mighty silly; indeed you are. Sir John. How, is she not willing to give it? There is something in this, then. Give the key this moment, you jade; give it to me. Lady Rest. You sha'nt have it, sir. What, you want to hinder me! give the key to me. Tut. Dear heart, I have lost it, madam.-Better not have it, madam. [Aside. Sir John. Give it me this moment, I say. Lady Rest. If you don't let me have it, it is as much as your place is worth. Tat. The devil is in it! there it is, then. Let me make my escape. [Exit. Lady Rest. Now, sir, we shall see; now, now. Sir John. Ay, now search, if you will. [Laughing at her. Lady Rest. [Unlocking the door.] You shall be found out, I promise you-Oh! [Screams out. Sir John. What is the matter, now? Lady Rest. Heavens! what have we here? Sir John. Oh! there is somebody there, then! Enter BEVERLEY. Bev. Madam——— [Bows to her. Sir John. By all that's false, here he is again! Lady Rest. What, in the name of wonder, brings you here, sir? Sir John. Oh, madam, you know his business, and I know his business, and the gentleman knows his business. There he is, madam; there is the gentleman waiting for you; true to his appointment, you sec.--Sir, your humble servant. My lady Restless, your humble servant. Now, write to your brother; do. I should be glad to know what you can say now. Now, now; is the case plain now? Lady Rest. I am in amaze! I don't know what to make of this. Bev. Sir, however odd this may appearSir John. Ay, now settle it between yourselves; give it what turn you will, sir; she will confirm it. You need not be afraid, sir; you will agree in your story; she is quick of invention, and I dare say you are pretty quick, too. Bev. Sir, I must beg you will put no forced construction upon this matter. Sir John. And you beg the same, madam, don't you? Bev. Sir, I beg to be heard. My business here is to desire you will return me the picture which you have in your possession. It is now become dear to me, sir. Sir John. I dare say it is. Bev. Call up your maid, madam, and thenSir John. No, sir; no more of it. I am satisfied. I wish you good night. Bev. When you are willing to listen to reason I shall be ready to convince you of your error. Madam, you may depend I shall do justice to your honour upon all occasions. And now I It shall take my leave. [Exit. Lady Rest. Evidence against me? Explain yourself. How did you get in here? What's your business? What brought you hither? What's your errand? Sir John. Ay, sir, speak; how did you get in here? What's your business? What brought you hither? What's your errand? Bev. Vexation! I am beset by them both at Sir John. The jade! I don't doubt it, sir. Bev. To prevent, if possible, the interpretation now put upon seeing me in this house. Sir John. And it was well contrived, sir. my Lady Restless! Oh, Lady Rest. By all that's just, I knew nothing of it! Bev. Nothing, upon my honour, sir! Sir John. Oh, I knew you would both agree. Bev. As I am a gentleman, I tell you the real fact. Sir John. You need not, sir; I know the real fact. Bev. I have no time to lose in frivolous altercation: I must now desire the picture, directly. Sir John. I wish you a good evening. Bev. I shall not stir without it. I should be glad you would comply without a quarrel. must be obliged to I Sir John. Ay, now her prize-fighter begins. [Aside.]-I desire you will quit my house, sir. Bev. I am not to be trifled with. If you don't return it by fair means, I shall be forced to draw. Sir John. There again, now! she has set him on to cut my throat: but I will disappoint her. Sir John. Now, my Lady Restless, now! You are thoroughly known; all your artifices are known; Mr Beverley is known; my lord Conquest is known! Lady Rest. My lord Conquest, sir! I despise all your imputations. My lord Conquest's maid, sir! what can you say to that? Sir John. Very well, madam! 'tis now my turn to write to your brother, and I promise you I will do it. Lady Rest. You will write, sir, you will write! Well, his assurance is unequalled. [Aside.]-You will write! That is pleasant indeed-Write, sir; do; you will only expose your weakness-Ha, ha! you make yourself very ridiculous; you do indeed-Ha, ha! Sir John. 'Sdeath, madam! am I to be insulted with a contumelious laugh into the bargain? Lady Rest. Why, my dear, this was all done— to-to-to-cure you of your jealousy; for I knew you would act as you have done, and so I resolved to do as I have done. Was it not well done, my dear? Ha, ha!— Sir John. Damnation! this is too much it is beyond all patience. Lady Rest. Ha, ha, ha! the tables are turned, I think. [Sings, and laughs. Sir John. Let me tell you, it is no laughing matter. You are a vile woman; I know you, and the world shall know you: I promise you it shall. Lady Rest. I am clear in my own conviction, and your slander I despise: nor shall your artifices blind me or my friends any longer. Sir, as you say, it is no laughing matter. I promise you, you shall never dishonour me again in this house. Sir John. And I promise you, madam, that you shall never dishonour me in any house. Lady Rest. Injurious, false, perfidious man! Sir John. Deceitful, wanton! wanton woman! [Exeunt at opposite doors. VOL. II. 5 E |