Lewis. I must speak to her [perceiving Mrs. D. he casts his eyes upon the ground. Augusta hastily leaves the room].
Mrs. D. Frederick, did you deliver my answer to the gentleman?
Lewis. He did; but, Madam—pray leave us Frederick—[Exit Servant]. I beg, Madam——
Mrs. D. What do you desire? Have you any demands upon me in particular? [shrugs her shoulders]. I am unable to pay, for they have taken every thing from me.
Lewis. You think me a villain: you are deceived; let me therefore explain——
Mrs. D. Explain, Sir? This empty room, our misery, my husband in prison these are explanations sufficient.
Lewis. As my presence is so disagreeable to you, I will immediately retire.—But let me first promise you, that the day I come of age, I will entirely restore what you have lost. [Lays a paper on the table]. I leave with you this paper, legally drawn up to that effect. Thus I hope to make reparation for my want of thought, and for the uneasiness I have caused. [Going.
Mrs. D. One moment, Mr. Brook! [She takes the paper and reads it]. You restore all, you say?
Lewis. Yes.
Mrs. D. Our confidence in mankind, which you have destroyed; our honour, of which you have robbed us; our credit, which you have blasted; can you restore these? Can you erase the deep characters of misery from the heart of an afflicted husband? Can you restore a wretched daughter, once more in the bloom of health, to her parents arms? Will you restore all this, with this paper?