_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.
_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 b.o.o.by, 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 grat.i.tude 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 circ.u.mstances.
_Enter Peter._
_Adm._ Come, Lady Etheridge, they have mine, and your"s must not be refused.
_Peter._ Sir Gilbert, I am your"s (_seeing Nelly_). Oh, you"re here--then all"s right, and so I don"t care. (_Advancing towards Lady Etheridge._) Lady Etheridge, my dear mamma, with your permission----
_Lady Eth._ (_hastily joining the hands of Captain Etheridge and Lucy_).
Yes, Lucy, I consent. [_Exit hastily._
_Capt. Eth._ Thank you, Peter, you never did me so good a turn in your life.
_Peter._ Sir Gilbert, in justice to yourself, read this, and do not despise the caution, for it is all true. (_Gives the letter._)
_Adm._ How do you know? (_Reads._) "Your house will be robbed this night--the parties are well armed and resolute. Take immediate precautions, and despise not this warning from one who has a sincere regard for you, and for your family."