_Adm._ Sorry you ever meddled with a _tar_.
_Lady Eth._ I am grieved, Captain Mertoun, that domestic fractions should be promulgated on our first meeting, and feel much prepossession for your corroboration of the Admiral's folly.
_Capt. Mer._ I cannot but assert that his conduct is most indefensible. Sir Gilbert, allow me to take the privilege of an early friend, and to express my regret at your infatuation, and my hope that you will be swayed by superior judgment.
_Adm._ Sir, I am much obliged to you for your friendly and polite interference. Does your friend stay dinner, Edward?
_Lady Eth._ Admiral, assuredly. I trust that Captain Mertoun will do us the honour of taking many dinners with us. At present, Captain Mertoun, you will excuse me; but when you are at leisure, I do not say that I will show you the grounds, as Sir Gilbert would have expressed himself; but I shall, as we of the _Oh tone_ say, be most happy to be your cicero. [_Exit Lady Etheridge._
_Adm._ (_angrily to Captain Mertoun._) And pray, sir, what do you mean by offering your opinion so confounded freely, and disapproving of my conduct?
_Capt. Eth._ My dear father, you must blame me, and not him. Let us retire to your library, and I will explain everything. You will find that Captain Mertoun has no other object in view than the happiness of all parties.
_Adm._ Then I can tell Captain Mertoun, that interfering between man and wife is not the way to secure his own.
_Capt. Mer._ Your son will soon offer a satisfactory explanation. It is most true that the liberty I have taken with you is most essential to my happiness.
_Adm._ (_going up and lifting his cane_). The devil it is! but not to all parties, Captain Mertoun; and I am sorry to say this to any friend of my son's--but you are a d----d impudent puppy, and I expect satisfaction.
_Capt. Eth._ That you shall have, sir, from me, who requested Captain Mertoun to follow that line of conduct. Do me the favour to retire to the library.
_Adm._ You requested him to insult your father? I am not so old as to be insulted with impunity; and I hope, as you are a party, that the explanation will be satisfactory. (_Walks about in a rage._) Captain Mertoun, you'll excuse us. There are the grounds, and as you have been so very assiduous to fall out with me, you may be equally so to fall in with Lady Etheridge. (_Bowing in derision very low, then exit, attended by Captain Etheridge._)