CAPTAIN. But mine is certainly too heavy. I have my old nurse into
the bargain, who treats me as if I ought still to wear a bib. She
is a good old soul, to be sure, and she must not be dragged into
such talk.

PASTOR. You must keep a tight rein on the women folks. You let them
run things too much.

CAPTAIN. Now will you please inform me how I'm to keep order among
the women folk?

PASTOR. Laura was brought up with a firm hand, but although she is
my own sister, I must admit she _was_ pretty troublesome.

CAPTAIN. Laura certainly has her faults, but with her it isn't so
serious.

PASTOR. Oh, speak out--I know her.

CAPTAIN. She was brought up with romantic ideas, and it has been
hard for her to find herself, but she is my wife--

PASTOR And because she is your wife she is the best of wives? No,
my dear fellow, it is she who really wears on you most.

CAPTAIN. Well, anyway, the whole house is topsy-turvy. Laura won't
let Bertha leave her, and I can't allow her to remain in this
bedlam.

PASTOR. Oh, so Laura won't? Well, then, I'm afraid you are in for