_Capt. Eth._ Without any advantages, excepting her alliance with my father, and a tolerable share of rural beauty, she is as proud as if descended from the house of Hapsburg--insults her equals, tramples on her inferiors, and--what is worse than all--treats my father very ill.
_Capt. Mer._ Treats him ill! what! he that was such a martinet, such a disciplinarian on board! She does not beat him?
_Capt. Eth._ No, not exactly; but so completely has she gained the upper hand, that the Admiral is as subdued as a dancing bear, obeying her orders with a growl, but still obeying them. At her command he goads himself into a passion with whomsoever she may point as the object of his violence.
_Capt. Mer._ How completely she must have mastered him! How can he submit to it?
_Capt. Eth._ Habit, my dear Mertoun, reconciles us too much; and he, at whose frown hundreds of gallant fellows trembled, is now afraid to meet the eye of a woman. To avoid anger with her, he affects anger with every one else. This I mention to you, that you may guide your conduct towards her. Aware of your partiality to my sister, it may be as well----
_Capt. Mer._ To hold the candle to the devil, you mean. Your pardon, Etheridge, for the grossness of the proverb.
_Capt. Eth._ No apology, my dear fellow. Hold the candle when you will, it will not burn before a saint, and that's the truth. Follow my advice, and I will insure you success. I only wish that my amatory concerns had so promising an appearance.
_Capt. Mer._ Why, I never knew that you were stricken.
_Capt. Eth._ The fact is, that I am not satisfied with myself; and when I am away from my Circe, I strive all I can to drive her from my memory. By change of scene, absence, and occupation, I contrive to forget her indifferent well. Add to all this, I have not committed myself by word or deed. I have now been three years in this way; but the moment I find myself within two miles of my fair one, as the towers of my home rise upon my sight, so rises the passion in my bosom; and what I supposed I had reasoned away to a mere dwarfish penchant, becomes at once a mighty sentiment.
_Capt. Mer._ That looks very like attachment. Three years, did you say? My dear brother in affliction, make me your confident.