Sir Robert Chiltern At one time.

Mrs Cheveley Wonderful man, wasn’t he?

[A pause]

Sir Robert Chiltern He was very remarkable, in many ways.

Mrs Cheveley I often think it such a pity he never wrote his memoirs. They would have been most interesting.

Sir Robert Chiltern Yes: he knew men and cities well, like the old Greek.°

Mrs Cheveley Without the dreadful disadvantage of having a Penelope waiting at home for him.

Mason Lord Goring.

Enter Lord Goring.° Thirty-four, but always says he is younger. A well-bred, expressionless face. He is clever, but would not like to be thought so. A flawless dandy, he would be annoyed if he were considered romantic. He plays with life, and is on perfectly good terms with the world. He is fond of being misunderstood. It gives him a post of vantage.

Sir Robert Chiltern Good evening, my dear Arthur! Mrs Cheveley, allow me to introduce to you Lord Goring, the idlest man in London.

Mrs Cheveley I have met Lord Goring before.

Lord Goring (bowing) I did not think you would remember me, Mrs Cheveley.

Mrs Cheveley My memory is under admirable control. And are you still a bachelor?

Lord Goring I… believe so.

Mrs Cheveley How very romantic!

Lord Goring Oh! I am not at all romantic. I am not old enough. I leave romance to my seniors.

Sir Robert Chiltern Lord Goring is the result of Boodle’s Club,° Mrs Cheveley.

Mrs Cheveley He reflects every credit on the institution.

Lord Goring May I ask are you staying in London long?

Mrs Cheveley That depends partly on the weather, partly on the cooking, and partly on Sir Robert.

Sir Robert Chiltern You are not going to plunge us into a European war, I hope?

Mrs Cheveley There is no danger, at present!

She nods to Lord Goring, with a look of amusement in her eyes, and goes out with Sir Robert Chiltern. Lord Goring saunters over to Mabel Chiltern

Mabel Chiltern You are very late!

Lord Goring Have you missed me?

Mabel Chiltern Awfully!

Lord Goring Then I am sorry I did not stay away longer. I like being missed.