_Capt. Eth._ Nay, Mertoun, it is some time since you met; and then, not under the auspices of her father's roof. Make some allowances for maidenly reserve.
_Capt. Mer._ Still I must say I am both mortified and disappointed.
_Capt. Eth._ I can feel for you; but knowing her generous character, I do not hesitate to take up her defence. Something presses heavily on her mind; what, I cannot surmise. But I will see her and find it out. Till then, wear your willow as gracefully as you do your laurels, and construe nothing to your disadvantage. This I ask in justice.
_Capt. Eth._ But here comes Lady Etheridge; now will I hasten to Agnes, and leave you to pay your court. Though you have already made a sufficiently favourable impression, yet still remember my injunctions.
Lady Etheridge, my sister has just quitted the room far from well. If you will permit me, I will inquire after her, leaving Captain Mertoun to cultivate your acquaintance. [_Exit Capt. Etheridge._
_Capt. Mer._ An honour, madam, I have long courted.
_Lady Eth._ O sir! if your leisure is now, as it were, unoccupied, I should be most happy to be your cicero. There are such grounds----
_Capt. Mer._ (_ogling Lady Etheridge_). For admiration, when I cast my eyes that way.
_Lady Eth._ The quintessence of politeness, I declare. This way, sir.
_Capt. Mer._ The arm of the humblest of your slaves.
[_Exeunt ambo, ceremoniously, and mutually complimenting each other in dumb show._
_Enter Sir Gilbert and Captain Etheridge._
_Capt. Eth._ Well, my dear father, where is Agnes?
_Adm._ She has been here just now; she appears to be much distressed about something. She will return directly.
_Adm._ That I don't know. Perhaps my Lady Etheridge. She wishes her to break off with Lucy Bargrove, but that I will resist--that is--that is--as much as I can.
_Capt. Eth._ My dear father, why do you submit to such tyranny? You, that have led fleets to victory, to be governed by a woman! A little firmness on your part would soon relieve you from your thraldom, and bring my mother to a proper sense of her duties.
_Adm._ (_shaking his head_). Too late--too late, Edward.
_Capt. Eth._ Never too late, sir. Take courage for once, and I'll answer for the success. With all respect to my mother, bullies are always cowards.