_Stu._ Why, lose it then for ever. Fear is the mind's worst evil;
and 'tis a friendly office to drive it from the bosom. Thus far has
fortune crowned me--Yet Beverley is rich; rich in his wife's best
treasure; her honour and affections. I would supplant him there too.
But 'tis the curse of thinking minds, to raise up difficulties.
Fools only conquer women: fearless of dangers which they see not,
they press on boldly, and by persisting, prosper. Yet may a tale of
art do much. Charlotte is sometimes absent. The seeds of jealousy
are sown already: If I mistake not, they have taken root too. Now is
the time to ripen them, and reap the harvest. The softest of her
sex, if wronged in love, or thinking that she's wronged, becomes a
tygress in revenge. I'll instantly to Beverley's--No matter for the
danger--When beauty leads us on, 'tis indiscretion to reflect, and
cowardice to doubt.
[_Exit_.


SCENE VI. _changes to _BEVERLEY'S_ lodgings._

_Enter Mrs. BEVERLEY, and _Lucy_._

_Mrs. Bev._ Did Charlotte tell you any thing?

_Lucy_. No, madam.

_Mrs. Bev._ She looked confused methought; said she had business
with her Lewson; which, when I pressed to know, tears only were her
answer.