Mr. D. Do not be uneasy on my account. I have still strength and activity. I may prosper again: if not, God will support my wife and daughter, and in the grave at least I shall find repose.
Mr. R. I look at you with awful repentance. Father in heaven, I thank thee for this man!—I sought comfort from my friends, and met reproaches—I fled to my daughter—Oh, my daughter!
Mr. D. Go to her now; she will cheer the remainder of your days.
Mr. R. No, no, never!
Mr. D. Why not?
Mr. R. I went to her.—She was my darling—a kind look from her was my greatest delight—I gave her a large portion. I came from the Chancellor's—my agitation—my anxiety—I was overheated.—I threw myself into her arms—Nancy, said I, give me something to drink—I sought for consolation from her, and she——she upbraided me for my careless management.
Mr. D. Horror!
Mr. R. She went away—her children felt in my pockets, and asked what I had brought them. I had nothing.—A servant brought me a glass of water, and took the children.
Mr. D. Come to my arms, most injured sufferer! my Augusta will not desert you.——Oh, I am happy—I am rich; highly blessed——Come—we will bear our misfortunes together—will share our sufferings and our comforts, even to the last morsel of bread.
Mr. R. All deserted me. You only, whom I have ruined, remain my friend. Oh, hear and tremble—you prevented——suicide——