Lord Windermere (R.C.) Mrs Erlynne is coming here, and if you in any way annoy her or wound her, you will bring shame and sorrow on us both. Remember that! Ah, Margaret! only trust me! A wife should trust her husband!

Lady windermere (C.) London is full of women who trust their husbands. One can always recognize them. They look so thoroughly unhappy. I am not going to be one of them. (Moves up) Lord Darlington, will you give me back my fan, please? Thanks.…A useful thing a fan, isn’t it? …I want a friend tonight, Lord Darlington: I didn’t know I would want one so soon.

Lord Darlington Lady Windermere! I knew the time would come some day; but why tonight?

Lord Windermere I will tell her. I must. It would be terrible if there were any scene. Margaret…

Parker Mrs Erlynne!

Lord Windermere starts. Mrs Erlynne enters,° very beautifully dressed and very dignified. Lady Windermere clutches at her fan, then lets it drop on the floor. She bows coldly to Mrs Erlynne, who bows to her sweetly in turn, and sails into the room

Lord Darlington You have dropped your fan, Lady Windermere. (Picks it up and hands it to her)

Mrs Erlynne (C.) How do you do, again, Lord Windermere? How charming your sweet wife looks! Quite a picture!

Lord Windermere (in a low voice) It was terribly rash of you to come!

Mrs Erlynne (smiling) The wisest thing I ever did in my life. And, by the way, you must pay me a good deal of attention this evening. I am afraid of the women. You must introduce me to some of them. The men I can always manage. How do you do, Lord Augustus? You have quite neglected me lately. I have not seen you since yesterday. I am afraid you’re faithless. Everyone told me so.

Lord Augustus (R.) Now really, Mrs Erlynne, allow me to explain.

Mrs Erlynne (R.C.) No, dear Lord Augustus, you can’t explain anything. It is your chief charm.

Lord Augustus Ah! if you find charms in me, Mrs Erlynne—

They converse together. Lord Windermere moves uneasily about the room watching Mrs Erlynne

Lord Darlington (to Lady Windermere) How pale you are!

Lady windermere Cowards are always pale!

Lord Darlington You look faint. Come out on the terrace.°

Lady windermere Yes. (To Parker) Parker, send my cloak out.

Mrs Erlynne (crossing to her) Lady Windermere, how beautifully your terrace is illuminated. Reminds me of Prince Doria’s° at Rome.

Lady Windermere bows coldly, and goes off with Lord Darlington Oh, how do you do, Mr Graham? Isn’t that your aunt, Lady Jedburgh? I should so much like to know her.°

Cecil Graham (after a moment’s hesitation and embarrassment) Oh, certainly, if you wish it. Aunt Caroline, allow me to introduce Mrs Erlynne.