[Opens, and reads it to himself.
Mrs. Bev. And brings good news—at least I'll hope so—What says he, love?
Bev. Why, this—too much for patience. Yet he directs me to conceal it from you.
[Reads.
Let your haste to see me be the only proof of your esteem for me. I have determined, since we parted, to bid adieu to England; chusing rather to forsake my country, than to owe my freedom in it to the means we talked of. Keep this a secret at home, and hasten to the ruined
R. Stukely
Ruined by friendship! I must relieve, or follow him.
Mrs. Bev. Follow him, did you say? Then I am lost indeed!
Bev. O this infernal vice! how has it sunk me! A vice, whose highest joy was poor to my domestic happiness. Yet how have I pursued it! Turned all my comforts to bitterest pangs! and all Thy smiles to tears. Damned, damned infatuation!
Mrs. Bev. Be cool, my life! What are the means the letter talks of? Have You, have I those means? Tell me, and ease me. I have no life while You are wretched.