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? LADY FREDERICK. I do indeed. ADMIRAL. I rather wish that proposal of marriage had been on your own behalf. LADY FREDERICK. Ah, with me, dear Admiral, experience triumphs over hope. I must tell the children. [_Calling._] Gerald, come here. Rose. [GERALD _and_ ROSE _come in_. LADY FREDERICK. I always knew your father was a perfect darling, Rose. ROSE. Oh, papa, you are a brick. ADMIRAL. I thoroughly disapprove of the marriage, my dear, but--it's not easy to say no to Lady Frederick. GERALD. It's awfully good of you, Admiral, and I'll do my best to make Rose a ripping husband. ADMIRAL. Not so fast, young man, not so fast. There's a condition. ROSE. Oh, father! LADY FREDERICK. Gerald is to behave himself for a year, and then you may marry. ROSE. But won't Gerald grow very dull if he behaves himself? LADY FREDERICK. I have no doubt of it. But dullness is the first requisite of a good husband. ADMIRAL. Now you must pack off to bed, my dear. I'm going to smoke my pipe before turning in. ROSE. [_Kissing_ LADY FREDERICK.] Good-night, dearest. I'll never forget your kindness. LADY FREDERICK. You'd better not thank me till you've been married a few years. ROSE. [_Holding out her hand to_ GERALD.] Good-night. GERALD. [_Taking it and looking at her._] Good-night. ADMIRAL. [_Gruffly._] You may as well do it in front of my face as behind my back. ROSE. [_Lifting up her lips._] Good-night. [_He kisses her, and the_ ADMIRAL _and_ ROSE _go out._ LADY FREDERICK.