_Char._ Reclaim my brother.

_Stu._ Ay; give him a new creation; or breathe another soul into
him. I'll think on't, madam. Advice, I see, is thankless.

_Char._ Useless I am sure it is, if through mistaken friendship, or
other motives, you feed his passion with your purse, and sooth it by
example. Physicians, to cure fevers, keep from the patient's thirsty
lip the cup that would inflame him; You give it to his hands. (_A
knocking._) Hark, Sir! These are my brother's desperate symptoms.
Another creditor.

_Stu._ One not so easily got rid of--What, Lewson!

SCENE VI.

_Enter LEWSON._

_Lew._ Madam, your servant. Yours, Sir. I was enquiring for you at
your lodgings.

_Stu._ This morning? You had business then?

_Lew._ You'll call it by another name, perhaps. Where's Mr.
Beverley, madam?

_Char._ We have sent to enquire for him.

_Lew._ Is he abroad then? He did not use to go out so early.

_Char._ No; nor to stay out so late.

_Lew._ Is that the case? I am sorry for it. But Mr. Stukely,
perhaps, may direct you to him.

_Stu._ I have already, Sir. But what was your business with
Me?

_Lew._ To congratulate you upon your late successes at play. Poor
Beverley! But You are his friend; and there's a comfort in having
successful friends.

_Stu._ And what am I to understand by this?

_Lew._ That Beverley's a poor man, with a rich friend; that's all.

_Stu._ Your words would mean something, I suppose. Another time,
Sir, I shall desire an explanation.

_Lew._ And why not now? I am no dealer in long sentences. A minute
or two will do for me.

_Stu._ But not for Me, Sir. I am slow of apprehension, and must have
time and privacy. A lady's presence engages my attention. Another
morning I may be found at home.

_Lew._ Another morning then, I'll wait upon you.

_Stu._ I shall expect you, Sir. Madam, your servant.
[_Exit._

_Char._ What mean you by this?

_Lew._ To hint to him that I know him.

_Char._ How know him? Mere doubt and supposition!

_Lew._ I shall have proof soon.

_Char._ And what then? Would you risk your life to be his punisher?

_Lew._ My life, madam! Don't be afraid. And yet I am happy in your
concern for me. But let it content you that I know this Stukely.
'Twould be as easy to make him honest as brave.

_Char._ And what d'you intend to do?

_Lew._ Nothing, till I have proof. Yet my suspicions are well-grounded.
But methinks, madam, I am acting here without authority. Coul