Lord Windermere Margaret, don’t say that.

Lady windermere I mean it.

Lord Windermere Child,° if you did such a thing, there’s not a woman in London who wouldn’t pity you.

Lady windermere There is not a good woman in London who would not applaud me. We have been too lax. We must make an example, I propose to begin tonight. (Picking up fan) Yes, you gave me this fan today; it was your birthday present. If that woman crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it. [Rings bell]°

Lord Windermere Margaret, you couldn’t do such a thing.

Lady windermere You don’t know me! (Moves R.)

Enter Parker

Parker!

Parker Yes, my lady.

Lady windermere I shall dine in my own room.° I don’t want dinner, in fact. See that everything is ready by half past ten. And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names° of the guests very distinctly tonight. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them. I am particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to make no mistake. You understand, Parker?

Parker Yes, my lady.

Lady windermere That will do!

Exit Parker C.

(Speaking to Lord Windermere) Arthur, if that woman comes here—I warn you—

Lord Windermere Margaret, you’ll ruin us!

Lady windermere Us! From this moment my life is separate from yours. But if you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to this woman, and tell her that I forbid her to come here!

Lord Windermere I will not—I cannot—she must come!

Lady windermere Then I shall do exactly as I have said. (Goes R.) You leave me no choice.

Exit R.

Lord Windermere (calling after her) Margaret! Margaret!

A pause

My God! What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this woman really is.° The shame would kill her. (Sinks down into a chair and buries his face in his hands)

Act-Drop