Part 42 (1/2)

_Enter Sir Gilbert and Captain Etheridge._

_Adm._ I love Lucy as my own daughter, and it often occurred to me how delighted I should be to receive her as such. But your mother's dislike to her is most unaccountable.

_Capt. Eth._ There is the difficulty which I am most anxious to surmount. I am afraid that, without my mother's concurrence, Lucy will never consent to enter into the family. She has pride as well as Lady Etheridge.

_Adm._ Yes, but of a very different quality; a proper pride, Edward; a respect for herself, added to a little feeling, to which she adheres in the decayed state of her family, which once was superior to ours.

_Capt. Eth._ If my mother could but once be induced to suppose that this rumour is correct, we might obtain her unwilling consent.

_Adm._ The report I believe to be wholly without foundation, and so I would, even if it were given against us in a court of justice.

_Capt. Eth._ My opinion coincides with yours. But my happiness is at stake, and I, therefore, shall not pause at a trifling deception, which may be productive of so much good. Will you a.s.sist me?

_Adm._ Why, Edward, can't you manage without me?

_Capt. Eth._ Not very well. Let me entreat you. I hear my mother coming.

_Adm._ Well, well--she is always a.s.serting I deceive her when I don't--for once, I'll not be accused without a cause.

_Enter Lady Etheridge; they pretend not to see her._

_Capt. Eth._ (_Aside._) Now, sir. (_Aloud._) The proofs are, indeed, too strong, my dear sir, to hope for any other issue, and I regret that we have all been so long and so cruelly deceived.

_Adm._ Well, Edward, I can only say, if you are not really my son, you will always be considered as such; for, whether your name be Etheridge or Bargrove, you must still look upon me as your father.

_Capt. Eth._ I thank you, sir; but there are circ.u.mstances over which you have no control. The t.i.tle and estate must descend to the lawful heir; and that silly fellow, Peter, will in future claim the affections of yourself, and of my dear Lady Etheridge. It is on her account, more than my own, that I feel so much distressed.

_Lady Eth._ (_coming forward_). What is this that I hear? Is there then any foundation for that vile report? that hideous tale that turned the brain of that silly wretch? (_The Admiral shakes his head in mournful silence._) Edward, will you not answer me?

_Capt. Eth._ I'm afraid that my answer will be most unsatisfactory.

Madam, I had my doubts: indeed, I spurned the idea, until I called upon Lucy Etheridge--I believe I must call her now--and the proofs which she can bring forward.

_Lady Eth._ The hussy!

_Capt. Eth._ Nay, my lady, I must do justice to her. She is more inclined to conceal the facts than to disclose them. Her regard for my father, her profound respect for you, and a certain feeling of good-will towards me----

_Lady Eth._ Well, I am glad to see a little good sense in the girl; indeed, if the Admiral had not spoilt her----

_Adm._ Lady Etheridge, I have always felt towards that girl as my own daughter. It's very odd. Do you think, Edward, that this matter could not be hushed up?

_Capt. Eth._ I know but of one way, sir, which is, to sacrifice myself for the welfare of the family. I will do it--I may say, almost willingly.

_Adm._ How is that, Edward?

_Capt. Eth._ By a marriage with Lucy.

_Lady Eth._ Never!

_Capt. Eth._ Who will then, for her own sake, keep the proofs in her possession.