_Stu._ Don't be too much alarmed, madam. All men have their errors,
and their times of seeing them. Perhaps my friend's time is not come
yet. But he has an uncle; and old men don't live for ever. You
should look forward, madam: we are taught how to value a second
fortune by the loss of a first.
[_A knocking at the door._

_Mrs. Bev._ Hark!--No; that knocking was too rude for Mr. Beverley.
Pray heaven he be well!

_Stu._ Never doubt it, madam. You shall be well too: every thing
shall be well.
[_Knocking again._

_Mrs. Bev._ The knocking is a little loud though. Who waits there?
Will none of you answer?--None of you, did I say? Alas! I thought
myself in my own house, surrounded with servants.

_Char._ I'll go, sister--But don't be alarmed so.
[_Exit._

_Stu._ What extraordinary accident have you to fear, madam?

_Mrs. Bev._ I beg your pardon; but 'tis ever thus with me in Mr.
Beverley's absence. No one knocks at the door, but I fancy 'tis a
messenger of ill news.

_Stu._ You are too fearful, madam; 'twas but one night of absence;
and if ill thoughts intrude (as love is always doubtful) think of
your worth and beauty, and drive them from your breast.