Part 30 (2/2)

_Agnes._ So am I, Lucy. I wish we had never seen the odious woman.

[_Exeunt ambo, arm in arm, crying._

_Act II. Scene I._

_A Drawing-room in the Hall._

_Enter Captain Etheridge, Captain Mertoun, and William._

_Will._ Sir Gilbert be within gunshot, Captain Edward, and I'll make sail after him. I think he have the gardener in tow.

_Capt. Eth._ You will oblige me, William. How are you, my good fellow?

You look dull; what's the news here?

_Will._ Why, Mr Edward, mortal bad. There be a misfortune happened in the family this morning.

_Capt. Eth._ Not to my father, I trust?

_Capt. Mer._ Not to Miss Etheridge?

_Will._ No; it be, Mr Edward, that Sir Gilbert have given me warning, and I have a month's law to find another berth.

(_Captain Etheridge and Mertoun look at each other, and laugh._)

_Capt. Eth._ Well, William, I think I can doctor that.

_Will._ I'se afraid not, Mr Edward, for the Admiral be superseded--has hauled down his flag, and I'd as soon have my discharge as not.

(_Putting his finger to his nose._) A woman be at the bottom of all mischief.

_Capt. Eth._ You observe, Mertoun, how things are managed here. Now if any difference or dispute arise between my father and mother, do you immediately espouse the cause of the lady. Recollect, I'll bear you harmless.

_Capt. Mer._ I am guided by you; but I'm going to observe--

_Enter Sir Gilbert._

_Adm._ My dear Edward, welcome again to your inheritance!

_Capt. Eth._ Thanks, my dear father. Allow me to introduce to you my most particular friend, Captain Mertoun, of our regiment.

_Adm._ Sir, you have the welcome of a father who loves all whom his children love.

_Capt. Mer._ Sir Gilbert, I am indeed flattered by your kind expressions.

_Enter Lady Etheridge._

_Capt. Eth._ My dear mother, permit me to renew my duty.

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