_Adm._ Why, really, Edward, your advice is good; and, as I must always keep up a running fight, I don't see why we shouldn't have a general action.
_Capt. Eth._ Bravo, sir, a decisive engagement to your honour, if you only bring decision into play. I agree with you, in respect to Lucy Bargrove, heartily.
_Adm._ Edward, this girl has been so long with me, and has so entwined herself about my heart, that I cannot bear that she should be used ill. Your sister is fond of her, and I dote upon her.
_Capt. Eth._ Why, yes, sir, I acknowledge that she is a nice girl, but still, there is a line to be drawn. You would not, for instance, like to see her my wife.
_Adm._ Indeed but I would, Edward, for your own sake. You would have a fair prospect of matrimonial bliss. Talking about marriage, Edward, I again repeat, if, as you say, the happiness of Agnes depends upon her union with Mertoun, from the character you have given him, I shall raise no objections; but, as I do think in the disposal of her children, the mother has some claim to be consulted, I suppose he must be permitted to follow up your plan, rather a novel one, of bearding the father to gain the daughter.
_Capt. Eth._ You forget, sir, that you are to have a general action, and then it will be no longer necessary.
_Adm._ True, true, I forgot that. Well Captain Mertoun, I hope you have found amusement.
_Capt. Mer._ I have, sir, been walking with my lady, who has just gone into her room to take off her bonnet.
_Lady Eth._ I am quite exhausted with my pedestrian performance. (_Captain Mertoun hands a chair, she sits._) Sir Gilbert, I am sorry to request that you will reprove your daughter for disobedience, for, notwithstanding my command of this morning, I find that she has again visited Lucy Bargrove. You say that you have no objection, but I tell you it shall not be, so there is an end of the matter, and of the discussion; and I insist upon it, Admiral, I insist that you give her a proper lecture in my presence. Now, Sir Gilbert.
_Capt. Eth._ (_aside_). Now, sir, this is your time, we'll support you.
_Adm._ My dear Lucy is concerned--I don't feel that I want any support. Agnes, your mother has expressed her disapprobation at your visit to Lucy Bargrove.