atter 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.

_Lady. Eth._ Never! never! I cannot consent to it.

_Capt. Eth._ May I ask, my dear Lady Etheridge, if you refuse me as your
son, or is Lucy refused to me as your daughter?

_Lady Eth._ Oh!

_Capt. Eth._ And again, my dear madam, when you reflect, on the
establishment of these facts by undoubted proofs, that booby, Peter,
will have a right to claim your maternal kindness.

_Lady Eth._ Odious wretch!

_Capt. Eth._ To occupy that place in your affections which, hitherto, I
have so proudly held, and must surrender with such deep regret.

_Lady Eth._ I would consent to--submit to anything, rather than that
monster should dare to call me mother.

_Capt. Eth._ Yet so he will, madam, without you consent to the proposed
arrangement. Lucy has always treated you with respect, and expressed the
warmest gratitude for your protection; but, as for Peter, he will be
more bearish and insolent than ever, again smother you with his nauseous
kisses, and claim them as an offspring's right.

_Lady Eth._ I really feel quite ill again at the very idea. Save me from
that, and I'll consent to anything.

_Capt. Eth._ Well, then, madam, have I your permission?

_Enter William._

_Will._ Please, Sir Gilbert, here be Mr Bargrove, and Madam Bargrove and
Miss Lucy, and the constables, and the malefactors, coming up to prove
the whole truth of the consarn, to your's and my lady's satisfaction.

_Lady Eth._ I'll not see them. I must leave you.

_Capt. Eth._ Nay, madam, stay but one moment, and acquaint Lucy that you
give your consent. She may not believe me.

_Enter Old Bargrove, Lucy, Constables, and Nelly._

_Old Bar._ Your servant, my lady; your servant, Sir Gilbert. I've got
the whole story out at last. I have brought up Lucy, who will prove the
facts. My son Peter, I have sent after, and I took the liberty to tell
the servant that Miss Agnes would be necessary.

_Capt Eth._ (_leading up Lucy to Lady Etheridge_). Lady Etheridge, will
you honour us so far as to give your consent? (_Lady Etheridge
hesitates._) My dear madam, recollect the circumstances.

_Enter Peter._

_Adm._