Part 26 (1/2)

_Lady Eth._ Ever since you afforded him the means of purchasing it.

_Adm._ I said many years, long before my name was added to the baronetage.

_Lady Eth._ Well, Admiral, it may be the case; but still there is no excuse for your folly: and mark me, Sir Gilbert, I will not have that pert minx, Lucy Bargrove, closeted with my daughter Agnes. As to the boy, it is a downright puppy and fool, or, to speak less plebeianly, is a _non composite mentus_.

_Adm._ Peter is not clever, but, without education, he would have been worse. It is not our fault if we are not blessed with talent. Lucy has wit enough for both.

_Lady Eth._ Lucy again! I declare, Admiral, my nerves are lacerated; or, to descend to your meanness of expression, it is quite shocking in a person of your age to become so infatuated with an artful hussy. Now, Sir Gilbert, am I to be protected, or am I to submit to insult? Is that sea-brute to remain, or am I to quit the house?

_Adm._ (_Aside._) I should prefer the latter. (_Aloud._) Why, my lady, if he must go----

_Lady Eth._ Must go? (_rings the bell_). Yes, Sir Gilbert, and with a proper lecture from you.

_Enter William; Lady Etheridge sits down with a wave of her hand._

_Lady Eth._ Now, Admiral.

_Adm._ William, you--you ought to be ashamed of yourself, getting half-seas over, and behaving in that manner--but--to be sure, I sent you the ale.

_Will._ Yes, your honour, famous stuff it was!

_Lady Eth._ Sir Gilbert!

_Adm._ And that's no excuse. I did not tell you to get drunk, and the consequence is, that that, without a proper apology----

_Will._ Beg your pardon, Admiral, and yours too, my lady.

_Lady Eth._ Sir Gilbert!

_Adm._ The fact is, that without the apology, in one word, you, you (_looking round at Lady Etheridge_) must take warning, sir, you leave this house, sir.

_Will._ Leave, yer honour, arter twenty-five years' sarvitude!

_Lady Eth._ Sir Gilbert!

_Adm._ Yes, sir, leave the house--damme!

_Will._ If yer honour hadn't given the ale, I shouldn't have got into trouble.

_Lady Eth._ (_Rising, and as she is leaving the room_). Sir Gilbert, I am glad to perceive that you have a proper respect for me and for yourself. [_Exit._

_Adm._ William, William, you must be aware that I cannot permit you to remain, when Lady Etheridge is displeased with you.

_Will._ First offence, yer honour.

_Adm._ But, however, I'll try and get you another place, as your general conduct has been correct.

_Will._ Thank you. I little thought, that after twenty-five years'

sarvitude (_wipes his eyes_). I can always get a s.h.i.+p, Admiral.