_Grap._ (_Patting March on the back._) Ha! ze leetle baby have grown ver much,--ver much. Zis is vat you call jolly.
_March._ Jolly, old Frenchy? That’s so, and I owe it all to you. But where’s Kitty?
_March._ What are you skulking back there for? You know what you told me to-day.
_Kitty._ But I didn’t think you’d ever find your father; and now you’re rich, and I’m only a poor girl.
_March._ Father, you’ve found a son to-day, and that son has found a wife. You must take both, or neither: which shall it be?
_Ray._ Well, I don’t know. I must have time to consider.
_March._ No, you mustn’t. Speak quick, or you lose us. I wanted a father bad enough; but thus far I have done without one, and I rather think--
_Ray._ Now, stop! don’t _you_ disobey me. I’ll take you both.
_Kate._ That’s a dear father! I know I shall love Kitty dearly; and March and I have been like brother and sister,--haven’t we, March?
_March._ Ay, that we have,--you and I and Sept. By the by, what’s to become of Sept.? Where’s _his_ father?
_Sept._ Don’t trouble yourself about me. I’ve got a father here in John Gale.
_Ray._ And here’s another, if you’ll own him. Sept., here’s my daughter, who refused to obey me. I’d give her to you, only, as she has refused to obey me, and--
_Kate._ Dear father, I wouldn’t refuse again for the world.
_Ray._ Then take her, Sept. You deserve her. Well, John Gale, what have you got to say to this?
_John Gale._ Now, what’s the use talking about what I’ve got to say? What will the Captain have to say? (_Enter Capt., C._)
_Ray._ Why, Captain! where have you been?
_Capt._ I’ve just been aboard my wacht, to change my clothing; that’s all. ’Twas a little chilly.
_Mrs. Gale._ Why, Captain! you looked warm enough when I saw you last.
_Capt._ That howid old woman!--she’s poking fun at me: I know she is.
_Ray._ Well, Captain, I mentioned your proposal to my daughter; but she positively refuses to marry you.
_Capt._ I’m doosed glad of it; for I’ve found a beautiful cweecher, who suits me better.
_March._ You’re too late, Captain: she’s engaged to me.
_Ray._ You are mistaken. This young man is my son. It’s all out at last.
_Capt._ Well, it’s doosed plain that I’m out too: so I’ll get up anchor, and off for the city again in my wacht.