_Bev._ Liberty and life. Come, kneel and curse me.

_Mrs. Bev._ Then hear me heaven! (_Kneels_) Look down with mercy on
his sorrows! Give softness to his looks, and quiet to his heart!
Take from his memory the sense of what is past, and cure him of
despair! On Me, on Me, if misery must be the lot of either, multiply
misfortunes! I'll bear them patiently, so He is happy! These hands
shall toil for his support! These eyes be lifted up for hourly
blessings on him! And every duty of a fond and faithful wife, be
doubly done to chear and comfort him!--So hear me! so reward
me!
[_Rises_.

_Bev._ I would kneel too, but that offended heaven would turn my
prayers to curses. What have I to ask for? I, who have shook hands
with hope? Is it for length of days that I should kneel? No; My time
is limited. Or is it for this world's blessings upon You and Yours?
To pour out my heart in wishes for a ruined wife, a child and
sister? O! no! For I have done a deed to make you miserable.

_Mrs. Bev._ Why miserable? Is poverty so miserable?--The real wants
of life are few: a little industry will supply them all; and
chearfulness will follow. It is the privilege of honest industry;
and we'll enjoy it fully.

_Bev._ Never, never! O, I have told you but in part. The irrevocable
deed is done.

_Mrs. Bev._ What deed? And why do you look so at me?