_Mrs Bar._ Lucy is more vexed than any of us. I really think, if she thought it true, that she would make away with herself.
_Capt. Eth._ What! at the idea of being Miss Etheridge! no cause that for suicide either.
_Mrs Bar._ No, not that, Captain Etheridge; but at the idea of rising in the world at the expense of those to whom she owes both love and gratitude. She's a good girl, Captain Etheridge.
_Capt. Eth._ I agree with you, dame, she's a very sweet girl. I wish to speak to her. Will you send her to me?
_Mrs Bar._ To be sure I will, Master Edward. She'll be glad to see you. She's always asking after you when you be away. [_Exit Mrs Bargrove._
_Capt. Eth._ I did but say a few words to her on my arrival. I dared not trust myself with more. She looked so beautiful. I have not been able to drive her from my thoughts ever since. Heigho! the conflict between love and pride is well contested: nothing but opportunity can give the victory to the one, and absence to the other. The more I know of her, the more deserving she appears. I often try to find faults in her, but I cannot discover them. I suppose that I inherit all my pride from my mother; that I cherish it in preference to my happiness is clear. But should this report prove true. Such things have occurred, and this may have been done without the knowledge of Mrs Bargrove. Agnes and Lucy then change situations; and I with that cub, Peter Bargrove. Very pleasant indeed! the former is not of much consequence but to be jostled out of my supposed birthright by a booby!
_Capt. Eth._ (_going up to her and taking her by the hand_). I took the liberty to request a few minutes' interview.
_Lucy_ (_smiling_). Surely not a very great liberty with one whom you have known so long, and who is so very much indebted to your father.
_Capt. Eth._ Not so much as his children are indebted to your mother. But the object of my visit is, Lucy, to request that you will give me some information relative to a ridiculous report.
_Lucy._ I can, and I can assure you, Captain Etheridge, that I believe it to be without the shadow of a foundation. That Agnes and I were both taken by surprise at the moment, you must not wonder at; but on reflection, I am convinced that it is a fabrication. Indeed, the very idea is most injurious to the character of my mother.