[Exeunt.
SCENE III. Beverley's lodgings.
Enter Mrs. Beverley, and Charlotte.
Char. 'Twas all a scheme, a mean one; unworthy of my brother.
Mrs. Bev. No, I am sure it was not. Stukely is honest too; I know he is. This madness has undone them both.
Char. My brother irrecoverably. You are too spiritless a wife—A mournful tale, mixt with a few kind words, will steal away your soul. The world's too subtle for such goodness. Had I been by, he should have asked your life sooner than those jewels.
Mrs. Bev. He should have had it then. (Warmly) I live but to oblige him. She who can love, and is beloved like Me, will do as much. Men have done more for mistresses, and women for a base deluder. And shall a wife do less? Your chidings hurt me, Charlotte.
Char. And come too late; they might have saved you else. How could he use you so?
Mrs. Bev. 'Twas friendship did it. His heart was breaking for a friend.
Char. The friend that has betrayed him.