ll, and will know no
comfort--Then letting go his hold, and falling upon his knees, he
imprecated curses on himself.

_Mrs. Bev._ This is too horrible!--But you did not leave him
so?

_Char._ No, I am sure he did not.

_Jar._ I had not the heart, madam. By degrees I brought him to
himself. A shower of tears came to his relief; and then he called me
his kindest friend, and begged forgiveness of me like a child--I was
a child too, when he begged forgiveness of me; my heart throbbed so,
I could not speak to him. He turned from me for a minute or two, and
suppressing a few bitter sighs, enquired after his wretched
family--Wretched was his word, madam--Asked how you bore the misery
of last night--If you had goodness enough to see him in prison--And
then begged me to hasten to you. I told him he must be more himself
first--He promised me he would; and, bating a few sullen intervals,
he became composed and easy. And then I left him; but not without an
attendant; a servant in the prison, whom I hired to wait upon him.
'Tis an hour since we parted: I was prevented in my haste, to be the
messenger of joy t'you.

_Mrs. Bev._ What a tale is this?--But we have staid too long--A
coach is needless.

_Char._ Hark! I hear one at the door.

_Jar._ And Lucy comes to tell us--We'll away this moment.

_Mrs. Bev._ To comfort him, or die with him.
[_Exeunt._

SCENE IV. _changes to STUKELY's lodgings_.

_Enter STUKELY, BATES, and DAWSON._

_Stu._ Here's presumptive evidence at least: or if we want more,
why, we must swear more. But all unwillingly: we gain credit by
reluctance. I have told you how to proceed. Beverley must die. We
hunt him in view now, and must not slacken in the chace. 'Tis either
death for Him, or shame and punishment for Us. Think of that, and
remember your instructions. You, Bates, must to the prison
immediately: I would be there but a few minutes before you. And you,
Dawson, must follow in a few minutes after. So here we divide--But
answer me; are you resolved upon this business like men?

_Bates._ Like villains rather--But you may depend upon us.

_Stu._ Like what we are then--You make no answer, Dawson--Compassion,
I suppose, has seized you.

_Daw._ No; I have disclaimed it. My answer is Bates's--You may
depend upon me.

_Stu._ Consider the reward! Riches and security! I have sworn to
divide with you to the last shilling. So here we separate, till we
meet in prison. Remember your instructions,