The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 13

_Mr. R._ When your last hour approaches, may this action insure your repose!--Many a distressed heart have you comforted--many tears have you wiped away.--Your kindness to me--oh, on that day when Virtue shall triumph, merciful G.o.d! let it be rewarded! [Exit.

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

_ACT IV._

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 fort.i.tude 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. 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.