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.

_Lady Eth._ Edward, I have been a martyr to painful anxiety and maternal
sentiment; but my sighs are accomplished now that I embrace my only son.
(_Turning to Mertoun, and curtseying haughtily._) Your friend?

_Capt. Eth._ My friend is Captain Mertoun, who is most anxious to pay
his homage, and I trust will find favour in the sight of Lady Etheridge.

_Capt. Mer._ That were indeed anticipating bliss. (_Bowing very low._)

_Lady Eth._ Captain Mertoun, you may approximate our kindly feelings.

_Capt. Mer._ Lady Etheridge, I duly appreciate the distinction. (_Aside
to Etheridge._) Why don't you ask after your sister?

_Capt. Eth._ Where is my sister Agnes, my dear mother? How is it that
she is not here to receive her brother?

_Lady Eth._ Indeed, Edward, I am ashamed to say that, forgetful of her
aristocratic birth, she has permitted herself to be seduced by bad
company.

_Adm._ (_aside_). Whew! now for a breeze!

_Capt. Eth._ Bad company. Did I hear rightly? Surely, my lady----

_Lady Eth._ I have said it, Edward; and I am sorry to add, that the
admiral eggs her on. O pardon, Captain Mertoun, the plebeian slip of the
tongue! I mean to say corroborates the mesalliance.

_Capt. Mer._ (_aside to Etheridge_) For Heaven's sake, ask her to
explain.

_Capt. Eth._ What would you infer, my lady? Surely my sister cannot so
far forget herself, much less my father approve of such conduct.

_Adm._ Edward, this bad company is--Lucy Bargrove.

_Lady Eth._ Yes, Sir Gilbert, I am sorry to retort before strangers; but
just as you have confessed, it is even so. My daughter has formed an
unequal connection, and, and dissipates her rank among unequal
associates.

_Capt. Eth._ I am truly glad that it is no worse, my lady.

_Lady Eth._ What can be worse, sir? Rank is ran