business of
hell, should have no dealings with compassion.

_Daw._ Say you so, Sir? You should have named the devil that tempted
me.

_Stu._ 'Tis false. I found you a villain; therefore employed
you--But no more of this--We have embarked too far in mischief to
recede. Lewson is dead; and we are all principals in his murder.
Think of that. There's time enough for pity, when ourselves are out
of danger. Beverley still lives, though in a jail. His ruin will sit
heavy on him; and discoveries may be made to undo us all. Something
must be done, and speedily. You saw him quarrelling with Lewson in
the street last night?
[_To Bates._

_Bates._ I did; his steward, Jarvis, saw him too.

_Stu._ And shall attest it. Here's matter to work upon. An unwilling
evidence carries weight with him. Something of my design I have
hinted t'you before. Beverley must be the author of this murder; and
We the parties to convict him. But how to proceed, will require time
and thought--Come along with Me; the room within is fitter for
privacy. But no compassion, Sir--(_To Dawson_) We want leisure
for't--This way.
[_Exeunt._

SCENE II. _changes to _BEVERLEY'S_ lodgings_.

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY, and CHARLOTTE._

_Mrs. Bev._ No news of Lewson yet?

_Char._ None. He went out early, and knows not what has happened.

_Mrs. Bev._ The clock strikes eight--I'll wait no longer.

_Char._ Stay but till Jarvis comes. He has sent twice to stop us
till we see him.

_Mrs. Bev._ I have no life in this separation. O! what a night was
last night! I would not pass another such, to purchase worlds by it.
My poor Beverley too! What must He have felt!--The very thought
distracts me! To have him torn at midnight from me! A loathsome
prison his habitation! A cold damp room his lodging! The bleak
winds, perhaps, blowing upon his pillow! No fond wife to lull him to
his rest! and no reflections but to wound and tear him!--'Tis too
horrible! I wanted love for him, or they had not forced him from me.
They should have parted soul and body first. I was too tame.

_Char._ You must not talk so. All that we could we did; and Jarvis
did the rest. The faithful creature will give him comfort. Why does
he delay coming?

_Mrs. Bev._ And there's another fear. His poor master may be
claiming the last kind office from him--His heart perhaps is breaking.

_Char._ See where he comes!--His looks are chearful too.

SCENE III.

_Enter JARVIS._

_Mrs. Bev._ Are