Act 4 — SCENE I.

A small Room at Mr. Drave's.

Mrs. DRAVE and AUGUSTA.

Mrs. D. I know not how to act. My husband suffers, and I am too much affected myself, to be able to afford him consolation—Oh, this Brook! who would have thought him so mean?

Augusta. Do not mention him, dear mother.

Mrs. D. To accuse your father of having made a false inventory! 'Tis an unheard-of baseness—and your father behaves with such fortitude and composure—gives up all he is worth, and——Hush! who is coming?

Enter DRAVE, a Magistrate and his attendants.

Mag. What room is this?

Mr. D. My fitting room.

Mag. So! N deg. 14. [writes it down: an attendant marks it on the door].—No closets in the wainscot here?

Mr. D. No.

Mag. Nothing concealed?

Mr. D. No.

Mag. Unlock this desk. [Drave unlocks it, Mag. tumbles over the papers].

Mr. D. Softly, Sir; you disorder——

Mag. You can put them to rights again [takes up a book].—What is this?

Mr. D. My account-book.

Mag. Is it?

Mr. D. 'Tis in your hands, you may examine it.

Mag. [giving the book to the attendants]. Put that with the rest—[sits down].

Mr. D. Have you done here?

Mag. Patience [fans his face with the papers he has in his hand]. Very hot to-day. [Pointing to a small trunk]? What is that?

Augusta. Trifles: some ladies dresses.

Mag. Open it.

Mrs. D. 'Tis only some linen.

Mag. Turn it upside down, that I may see if there is nothing else.

Mr. D. [hastily]. Sir! [Mrs. D. steps between him and the Mag].

Mag. [rising]. What's the matter?

Mr. D. [more calm]. Must that be?

Mag. [turning over the things without looking at Drave]. Perhaps—[Looking round to an attendant] Take that desk into the drawing-room to the rest.

Mr. D. Stay, Sir; I want it here, to shut up my papers.

Mag. Afterwards, afterwards. Besides, this is not a time to shut up any thing. [Drave walks up and down]. Where are the accounts of your guardianship?

Mr. D. Down stairs.

Mag. I must have a look there. Now, Sir, if you please! [Mag. and D. exeunt.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. [to Augusta]. I have done as you desired, Ma'am; he will come immediately. [Exit Serv.

Mrs. D. Who, Augusta?

Augusta. Dear mother, forgive me! I sent for the Counsellor.

Mrs. D. How? the Counsellor?

Augusta. I will try this once. But you must go; you shall not be witness of my humiliation.

Mrs. D. But your father?

Augusta. If I succeed, he will forgive me.—I hear somebody at the door: leave me now.

Mrs. D. Take my best wishes, my dear girl. [Exit.

Enter the COUNSELLOR.

Counsellor. You have had the goodness to desire——

Augusta [with dignity]. I requested your company.

Counsellor. Notwithstanding your father's ill treatment of me this morning, I willingly forget it, as you desire my return. And now my fair sufferer, in what can I serve you?

Augusta. You have often told me, that you were interested in my happiness, that you loved me.—I am now unhappy—prove the truth of your assertions, by acting as becomes you—Help us.

Counsellor. With all my heart, if it were in my power; you may rely——

Augusta. Mr. Rose's misfortune bears hard upon my father. By moderation and indulgence, he may be saved; and it is for this purpose that I apply to you.

Counsellor [walking up and down in seeming agitation]. Yes, yes—good God!——but——

Augusta. He can pay, but not instantly—not now—by degrees only.

Counsellor. My charming lady, I have no power in these things.

Augusta. Yes, Sir! you have power to soften your father's heart.

Counsellor. I am grieved indeed—truly sorry to refuse you any thing—I have so much esteem for you!

Augusta. Be generous, Sir, I intreat you.

Counsellor. You are such a lovely petitioner, that I could almost forgive adversity, as it unfolds so many charms in you: but indeed your father has offended all his friends—it is impossible.

Augusta. In the name of humanity, be generous.

Counsellor. Charming good lady! I cannot assist you—not now, afterwards perhaps——

Augusta [in tears]. Unfeeling man!

Counsellor. Dear young lady! be comforted—things may turn out better than you expect.—Indeed I am deeply afflicted: if I could assist you, you might depend upon me—forgive me, my dear Augusta! I must leave you now. I humbly thank you for your flattering attention. [Exit.

Mrs. D. [entering hastily]. Merciful heaven! must it come to that?

Augusta. Speak, mother; what is the matter?

[Mr. D. enters, followed by Philip Brook]. Such an infamous fellow! I could bear no longer.

Mrs. D. To strike a magistrate! Oh, what will be the consequence?

Philip. Do not alarm yourself on this account, Madam. I am witness he exceeded his power. Be composed. We have no time to lose. In the first place, we must prevent this affair from proceeding farther; you will therefore consider my property as your own.

Mr. D. No!

Philip. Why not? I cannot lose by it.

Mr. D. You do not know that. A merchant is above all people liable to accidents.

Philip. But, my dear Sir!

Mr. D. My refusal does not proceed from pride. Heaven sent me this trial. Supported by the consciousness of having done my duty, I can bear misfortune; but dare not throw it upon you. If you will assist me, my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and Augusta, behave with fortitude; your courage will console me.——Look at me, Brook. Do I appear dejected? Do not I seem rather to be upheld by an unknown, sacred power? I cannot account for it, but this change does not affect me so sensibly.—Come, my friend! why so serious?

Philip. Then you deny my wishes?

Mr. D. I dare not consent.

Philip. You are the father of a family.

Mr. D. And God above, the father of innocent sufferers.

(Enter a Servant hastily).

Serv. For God's sake, Sir, what has happened? there are two men come to arrest you.

Mr. D. Whom?

Serv. You! A writ from the Chancellor.

Mr. D. That is too much.

Philip. Too much? No! just enough; exactly what I wanted! [With coldness] Go, in the name of God!

Mr. D. So publicly! 'tis hard.—Fortune, character, perhaps life——all in one day——Well, well, take it wretch, and God forgive thee!——[embraces his wife and daughter]. Brook, support my wife and child—[leaving them]. Soon, soon, we shall meet again! [Exit.

[Mrs. Drave and Augusta following him].

Philip [stopping them]. Stay; you must be composed. Go into your own room; promise me not to leave it.

Mrs. D. What do you require?

Philip. Go in there. I must leave you now. I shall return—Adieu!

Augusta. Pray, Sir, stop!

Mrs. D. Where are you going, my dear friend?

Philip [with forced coldness]. A short way. [Looking at his watch] In half an hour I shall return. Should I not—but you will certainly see me then. [Exit, leading Mrs. D. and Augusta to the door.]