Well, what I wanted to say to you was this: I like Gerald, but I think he wants guiding. D'you follow me?
LADY FREDERICK.
I'm sure he will take your advice always.
ADMIRAL.
It's a woman's hand that he wants. Now if you and I were to join forces we could keep him out of mischief, couldn't we?
LADY FREDERICK.
Oh, I'll come and stay with you whenever you ask me. I love giving good advice when I'm quite sure it won't be taken.
ADMIRAL.
I was thinking of a more permanent arrangement. Look here, why don't you marry me?
LADY FREDERICK.
My dear Admiral!
ADMIRAL.
I don't think an attractive woman like you ought to live alone. She's bound to get in a scrape.
LADY FREDERICK.
It's awfully good of you, but....
ADMIRAL.
You don't think I'm too old, do you?
LADY FREDERICK.
Of course not. You're in the very prime of life.
ADMIRAL.
There's life in the old dog yet, I can tell you.
LADY FREDERICK.
I feel sure of that. I never doubted it for a moment.
ADMIRAL.
Then what have you got against me?
LADY FREDERICK.
You wouldn't like to commit polygamy, would you?
ADMIRAL.
Eh?
LADY FREDERICK.
You see, it's not a question of marrying me only, but all my tradespeople.
ADMIRAL.
I hadn't thought of that.
LADY FREDERICK.
Besides, you're Rose's father, and I'm Gerald's sister. If we married I should be my brother's mother-in-law, and my step-daughter would be my sister. Your daughter would be your sister-in-law, and your brother would just snap his fingers at your fatherly advice.
ADMIRAL.
[Confused.] Eh?
LADY FREDERICK.
I don't know if the prayer-book allows things like that, but if it does I think it's hopelessly immoral.
ADMIRAL.
Well, shall I tell them I've changed my mind and they can't marry?
LADY FREDERICK.
Then there'd be no reason for us to--commit the crime, would there?
ADMIRAL.
I hadn't thought of that. I suppose not.
LADY FREDERICK.
You're not cross with me, are you? I'm very much flattered, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ADMIRAL.
Not at all, not at all. I only thought it might save trouble.
LADY FREDERICK.