peat, if, as you say, the happiness of Agnes depends upon her
union with Mertoun, from the character you have given him, I shall raise
no objections; but, as I do think in the disposal of her children, the
mother has some claim to be consulted, I suppose he must be permitted to
follow up your plan, rather a novel one, of bearding the father to gain
the daughter.

_Capt. Eth._ You forget, sir, that you are to have a general action, and
then it will be no longer necessary.

_Enter Captain Mertoun._

Here comes Mertoun.

_Adm._ True, true, I forgot that. Well Captain Mertoun, I hope you have
found amusement.

_Capt. Mer._ I have, sir, been walking with my lady, who has just gone
into her room to take off her bonnet.

_Enter Lady Etheridge and Agnes._

_Lady Eth._ I am quite exhausted with my pedestrian performance.
(_Captain Mertoun hands a chair, she sits._) Sir Gilbert, I am sorry to
request that you will reprove your daughter for disobedience, for,
notwithstanding my command of this morning, I find that she has again
visited Lucy Bargrove. You say that you have no objection, but I tell
you it shall not be, so there is an end of the matter, and of the
discussion; and I insist upon it, Admiral, I insist that you give her a
proper lecture in my presence. Now, Sir Gilbert.

_Capt. Eth._ (_aside_). Now, sir, this is your time, we'll support you.

_Adm._ My dear Lucy is concerned--I don't feel that I want any support.
Agnes, your mother has expressed her disapprobation at your visit to
Lucy Bargrove.

_Agnes._ My dear father!

_Adm._ And I don't agree with your mother.

_Lady Eth._ Sir Gilbert!

_Adm._ I consider Lucy Bargrove a very amiable, good girl. I am partial
to her, and have no objection to your visiting her whenever you please.

_Lady Eth._ (_more loudly_). Sir Gilbert!

_Capt. Eth._ (_aside_). Excellent, Sir Gilbert.

_Adm._ I repeat again, Agnes, that so far from agreeing with, I totally
disagree with Lady, and, in this matter, I will not allow her to
interfere in future. I intend to be _master of my own house_!

_Lady Eth._ (_screaming_). Sir Gilbert!!!

_Capt. Eth._ (_aside_). The day's our own.

_Adm._ (_angrily_). Yes, my lady, master of my own house! and expect
humility and submission on your part. (_Softening_). Although I never
shall forget that I have advanced you to the dignity of Lady Etheridge.

_Lady Eth._ Captain Mertoun! Captain Mertoun! Oh! Oh! will nobody assist
me? Oh! lea