Mrs. Bev. Do so, and ease me. Your hints have troubled me. Reports, you say, are stirring—Reports of whom? You wished me not to credit them. What, Sir, are these reports?
Stu. I thought them slander, madam; and cautioned you in friendship; left from officious tongues the tale had reached you, with double aggravation.
Mrs. Bev. Proceed, Sir.
Stu. It is a debt due to my fame, due to an injured wife too—We both are injured.
Mrs. Bev. How injured? and who has injured us?
Stu. My friend, your husband.
Mrs. Bev. You would resent for both then? But know, Sir, My injuries are my own, and do not need a champion.
Stu. Be not too hasty, madam. I come not in resentment, but for acquittance. You thought me poor; and to the feigned distresses of a friend gave up your jewels.
Mrs. Bev. I gave them to a husband.
Stu. Who gave them to a—