Hester Who, being loved, is poor? Oh, no one. I hate my riches. They are a burden. Let him share it with me.

Mrs Arbuthnot But we are disgraced. We rank among the outcasts. Gerald is nameless. The sins of the parents should be visited on the children. It is God’s law.

Hester I was wrong. God’s law is only Love.

Mrs Arbuthnot (rises, and taking Hester by the hand, goes slowly over to where Gerald is lying on the sofa with his head buried in his hands. She touches him and he looks up) Gerald, I cannot give you a father, but I have brought you a wife.

Gerald Mother, I am not worthy either of her or you.

Mrs Arbuthnot So she comes first, you are worthy. And when you are away, Gerald … with … her—oh, think of me sometimes. Don’t forget me. And when you pray, pray for me. We should pray when we are happiest, and you will be happy, Gerald.

Hester Oh, you don’t think of leaving us?

Gerald Mother, you won’t leave us?

Mrs Arbuthnot I might bring shame upon you!

Gerald Mother!

Mrs Arbuthnot For a little then: and if you let me, near you always.

Hester (to Mrs Arbuthnot) Come out with us to the garden.

Mrs Arbuthnot Later on, later on.

Exeunt Hester and Gerald. Mrs Arbuthnot goes towards door L.C. Stops at looking-glass over mantelpiece and looks into it. Enter Alice R.C.

Alice A gentleman to see you, ma’am.

Mrs Arbuthnot Say I am not at home. Show me the card. (Takes card from salver and looks at it) Say I will not see him.

Lord Illingworth enters. Mrs Arbuthnot sees him in the glass and starts,° but does not turn round. Exit Alice

What can you have to say to me today, George Harford? You can have nothing to say to me. You must leave this house.

Lord Illingworth Rachel, Gerald knows everything about you and me now, so some arrangement must be come to that will suit us all three. I assure you, he will find in me the most charming and generous of fathers.

Mrs Arbuthnot My son may come in at any moment. I saved you last night. I may not be able to save you again. My son feels my dishonour strongly, terribly strongly. I beg you to go.

Lord Illingworth (sitting down) Last night was excessively unfortunate. That silly Puritan girl making a scene merely because I wanted to kiss her. What harm is there in a kiss?