Charles. But you love her, captain?
Bobstay. Ease off a bit. If Spanker mysteriously disappeared, there’s reason for Spanker’s disappearance. And as the aforesaid widow, when I married her, who didn’t prove to be a widow after I married her, boxed my ears twice afore the ceremony, the p’ints of my matrimonial compass don’t p’int that way much.
Charles. But where is she?
Bobstay. In chase of another craft, my boy. Close-reefed, to overhaul a young spark, with a view to engage him. Shall I destroy his happiness? That’s a p’int. Shall I appear like a spectre and forbid the banns? That’s another p’int. No, my boy. I’ll set ... down here; keep under water till she’s fairly hooked.
Charles. But suppose Spanker should turn up?
Bobstay. That’s a p’int we can’t argue. Mum’s the word. I’m a spirit. Bobstay’s gone up. Keep dark. Not a word to your wife now.
Charles. But Jenny don’t know you are here!
Bobstay. No? I’ll hide in the barn—in the pigsty—anywhere until the widow’s hooked.
(Enter Carlos, C. from L.)
Carlos. Say, Mr. Cleverly, here’s a woman wants to see you. [Exit C. to R.