Hester She shouldn’t be allowed to come into the society of good men and women?

Mrs Arbuthnot She should not.

Hester And the man should be punished in the same way?

Mrs Arbuthnot In the same way. And the children, if there are children, in the same way also?

Hester Yes, it is right that the sins of the parents° should be visited on the children. It is a just law. It is God’s law.

Mrs Arbuthnot It is one of God’s terrible laws.

Moves away to fireplace°

Hester You are distressed about your son leaving you, Mrs Arbuthnot?

Mrs Arbuthnot Yes.

Hester Do you like him going away with Lord Illingworth? Of course there is position, no doubt, and money, but position and money are not everything, are they?

Mrs Arbuthnot They are nothing; they bring misery.

Hester Then why do you let your son go with him?

Mrs Arbuthnot He wishes it himself.

Hester But if you asked him he would stay, would he not?

Mrs Arbuthnot He has set his heart on going.

Hester He couldn’t refuse you anything. He loves you too much. Ask him to stay. Let me send him in to you. He is on the terrace at this moment with Lord Illingworth. I heard them laughing together as I passed through the Music-room.

Mrs Arbuthnot Don’t trouble, Miss Worsley, I can wait. It is of no consequence.

Hester No, I’ll tell him you want him. Do—do ask him to stay.

Exit Hester

Mrs Arbuthnot He won’t come°—I know he won’t come.

Enter Lady Caroline. She looks round anxiously. Enter Gerald

Lady Caroline Mr Arbuthnot, may I ask you is Sir John anywhere on the terrace?

Gerald No, Lady Caroline, he is not on the terrace.

Lady Caroline It is very curious. It is time for him to retire.

Exit Lady Caroline

Gerald Dear mother, I am afraid I kept you waiting. I forgot all about it. I am so happy tonight, mother; I have never been so happy.

Mrs Arbuthnot At the prospect of going away?