MANGAN [irritated]. See here, Captain Shotover. I don't quite
understand my position here. I came here on your daughter's
invitation. Am I in her house or in yours?
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER. You are beneath the dome of heaven, in the
house of God. What is true within these walls is true outside
them. Go out on the seas; climb the mountains; wander through the
valleys. She is still too young.
MANGAN [weakening]. But I'm very little over fifty.
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER. You are still less under sixty. Boss Mangan,
you will not marry the pirate's child [he carries the tray away
into the pantry].
MANGAN [following him to the half door]. What pirate's child?
What are you talking about?
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER [in the pantry]. Ellie Dunn. You will not marry
her.
MANGAN. Who will stop me?
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER [emerging]. My daughter [he makes for the door
leading to the hall].
MANGAN [following him]. Mrs Hushabye! Do you mean to say she
brought me down here to break it off?
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER [stopping and turning on him]. I know nothing
more than I have seen in her eye. She will break it off. Take my
advice: marry a West Indian negress: they make excellent wives. I
was married to one myself for two years.
MANGAN. Well, I am damned!
CAPTAIN SHOTOVER. I thought so.
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