ADMIRAL.
He"s a gambler.
LADY FREDERICK.
Yes, but then he"s so good looking.
ADMIRAL.
Eh?
LADY FREDERICK.
I"m glad that we agree so entirely about him. Now there"s nothing left but to call the young things in, join their hands and give them our united blessing.
ADMIRAL.
Before I consent to this marriage, madam, I"ll see your brother----
LADY FREDERICK.
d.a.m.ned?
ADMIRAL.
Yes, madam, d.a.m.ned.
LADY FREDERICK.
Now listen to me quietly, will you?
ADMIRAL.
I should warn you, Lady Frederick, that when I once make up my mind about a thing, I never change it.
LADY FREDERICK.
Now that is what I really admire. I like a man of character. You know, I"ve always been impressed by your strength and determination.
ADMIRAL.
I don"t know about that. But when I say a thing, I do it.
LADY FREDERICK.
Yes, I know. And in five minutes you"re going to say that Gerald may marry your pretty Rose.
ADMIRAL.
No, no, no.
LADY FREDERICK.
Now look here, don"t be obstinate, I don"t like you when you"re obstinate.
ADMIRAL.
I"m not obstinate. I"m firm.
LADY FREDERICK.
After all, Gerald has lots of good qualities. He"s simply devoted to your daughter. He"s been a little wild, but you know you wouldn"t give much for a young man who hadn"t.
ADMIRAL.
[_Gruffly._] I don"t want a milksop for a son-in-law.
LADY FREDERICK.
As soon as he"s married, he"ll settle into a model country squire.
ADMIRAL.
Well, he"s a gambler, and I can"t get over that.
LADY FREDERICK.
Shall he promise you never to play cards again? Now, don"t be horrid.
You don"t want to make me utterly wretched, do you?
ADMIRAL.
[_Unwillingly._] Well, I"ll tell you what I"ll do--they shall marry if he doesn"t gamble for a year.
LADY FREDERICK.
Oh, you duck. [_She impulsively throws her arms round his neck and kisses him. He is a good deal taken aback._] I beg your pardon, I couldn"t help it.
ADMIRAL.
I don"t altogether object, you know.
LADY FREDERICK.
Upon my word, in some ways you"re rather fascinating.
ADMIRAL.
D"you think so, really?