Lord Illingworth Tell her ladyship we are coming in.

Francis Yes, my lord.

Exit [Footman]

Lord Illingworth Shall we go into tea?

Mrs Allonby Do you like such simple pleasures?

Lord Illingworth I adore simple pleasures. They are the last refuge of the complex. But, if you wish, let us stay here. Yes, let us stay here. The Book of Life begins with a man and a woman in a garden.

Mrs Allonby It ends with Revelations.

Lord Illingworth You fence divinely. But the button has come off your foil.

Mrs Allonby I have still the mask.

Lord Illingworth It makes your eyes lovelier.

Mrs Allonby Thank you. Come.

Lord Illingworth (sees Mrs Arbuthnot’s letter on table, and takes it up and looks at envelope) What a curious handwriting! It reminds me of the handwriting of a woman I used to know years ago.

Mrs Allonby Who?

Lord Illingworth Oh! no one. No one in particular. A woman of no importance.°

Throws letter down, and passes up the steps of the terrace with Mrs Allonby. They smile at each other

Act Drop