The Conscious Lovers

Bevil Jr. asks whether Tom told Myrtle about Bevil Jr.’s letter to Lucinda. Tom tries to deny it, but he gets confused and reveals that he gave away the fact of Bevil Jr. and Lucinda’s correspondence. 

Bevil Jr. reads the letters from Lucinda and Myrtle. Lucinda’s letter admits her love for Myrtle, but it also expresses concern about Myrtle’s jealousy. The letter from Myrtle challenges Bevil Jr. to a duel, which Bevil Jr. fears he will need to accept out of honor.

Myrtle arrives and promptly challenges Bevil Jr. to a duel. Bevil Jr. tries to dissuade him, calling dueling an afront to God. Myrtle says it is easy for Bevil Jr. to maintain his composure because he is already able to marry Lucinda, enjoy his fortune, and keep his affair with Indiana. When Myrtle suggests that Bevil Jr. is not in love with Indiana, Bevil Jr. becomes angry and demands that Tom call a coach to bring him and Myrtle somewhere they can fight. 

After Tom leaves, Bevil Jr. remembers all he has to live for and explains to Myrtle that they cannot duel because there has been no betrayal. Bevil Jr.