Lord Windermere I beg of you.°

Lady windermere (crossing to door R.) I am going to dress for dinner, and don’t mention the subject again this evening. Arthur° (going to him C.), you fancy because I have no father or mother that I am alone in the world, and that you can treat me as you choose. You are wrong, I have friends,° many friends.

Lord Windermere (L.C.) Margaret, you are talking foolishly, recklessly. I won’t argue with you, but I insist upon your asking Mrs Erlynne tonight.

Lady windermere (R.C.) I shall do nothing of the kind. (Crossing L.C.)

Lord Windermere You refuse? (C.)

Lady windermere Absolutely!

Lord Windermere Ah, Margaret, do this for my sake; it is her last chance.

Lady windermere What has that to do with me?

Lord Windermere How hard good women are!

Lady windermere How weak bad men are!

Lord Windermere Margaret, none of us men may be good enough for the women we marry—that is quite true—but you don’t imagine I would ever—oh, the suggestion is monstrous!

Lady windermere Why should you be different from other men? I am told that there is hardly a husband in London who does not waste his life over some shameful passion.

Lord Windermere I am not one of them.

Lady windermere I am not sure of that!

Lord Windermere You are sure in your heart. But don’t make chasm after chasm between us. God knows the last few minutes have thrust us wide enough apart. Sit down and write the card.

Lady windermere Nothing in the whole world would induce me.

Lord Windermere (crossing to bureau) Then I will! (Rings electric bell, sits and writes card)°

Lady windermere You are going to invite this woman? (Crossing to him)

Lord Windermere Yes.

Pause. Enter Parker

Parker!

Parker Yes, my lord. (Comes down L.C.)

Lord Windermere Have this note sent to Mrs Erlynne at No. 84A° Curzon Street. (Crossing to L.C. and giving note to Parker) There is no answer!

Exit Parker C.

Lady windermere Arthur, if that woman comes here, I shall insult her.