as that?

_Mrs. D._ Nothing--be quiet--our misfortunes cannot increase. [The
knock repeated twice.

_Augusta._ Do you hear?

_Mrs. D._ Is any body there? Come in. [The door opens; an old man with
grey hairs, dressed in an old-fashioned lace suit, much tarnished,
enters, and approaches timidly].

_Mrs. D._ What do you wish, my good friend?

_Old Man_ [shyly]. Madam--pray, does not somebody live here--in this
house----I mean Mr. Drave?

_Mrs. D._ Alas! my good friend!

_Old Man._ He lived here once, I think--does he not live here still?

_Augusta._ Yes.

_Old Man._ Can I speak to him? if you please--

_Mrs. D._ He is--he is--not here.

_Old Man_ [mildly]. But he will come back? [looking at them] or is he
dead? [Tenderly] Oh, if he be dead, he is happy, and I will not
interrupt his peace.

Enter LEWIS hastily, kisses Mrs. DRAVE's hand.

_Lewis._ Too true, Madam, too true.--What had become of me but for your
advice?--You are my good angel, Augusta; you will rather pity than hate
me. [Perceiving the Old Man] What Old man is that?

_Mrs. D._ Somebody in distress, I fear--he wants to see my husband.

_Lewis_ [giving him a purse]. There, my friend, take that.

_Old Man._ I do not want money.

_Lewis_ [hastily]. Well, well, but pray go.

_Old Man._ I want but little, Sir.

_Lewis._ And what? speak! quickly.

_Old Man._ Only a little place under ground, to rest in peace.

_Lewis._ I pity you, good Old man--but pray take it, and go.--We have
not time to hear you [leads him towards the door, and returns]. Madam,
the Counsellor is secured up stairs; the Chancellor is coming----

_Old Man_ [returning slowly.] I will not leave this house again.

_Lewis._ But----

_Old Man._ I cannot walk any farther [sits down]. Let me stay here, my
good Sir. I shall not trouble you long; God will soon release me----

_Lewis._ But tell me, what do you want?

_Old Man_ [looking round]. Good God! yes--I have often been in this
house--once--long ago--but it is long, long since----

_Mrs. D._ Tell me, who are you?

_Old Man._ Yes--I will tell you; for my death is not far off--observe I
am terribly pursued. I was a rich--rich man: I had whole chests full of
plate----lived in a great house. It is long since I wore this dress: it
is in some disorder, I fear.

_Lewis_ [hastily]. Speak! who are you?

_Old Man._ Be not angry, my good Sir. I will tell you every
thing----but do not beat me [Kneels]. I will tell