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. I was, too, for many years. The negress redeemed me.