Sir Robert Chiltern I offered her any sum she wanted. She refused.

Lord Goring Then the marvellous gospel of gold breaks down sometimes. The rich can’t do everything, after all.

Sir Robert Chiltern Not everything. I suppose you are right. Arthur, I feel that public disgrace is in store for me. I feel certain of it. I never knew what terror was before. I know it now. It is as if a hand of ice were laid upon one’s heart. It is as if one’s heart were beating itself to death in some empty hollow.

Lord Goring (striking the table)° Robert, you must fight her. You must fight her.

Sir Robert Chiltern But how?

Lord Goring I can’t tell you how at present. I have not the smallest idea. But everyone has some weak point. There is some flaw in each one of us. (Strolls over to the fireplace and looks at himself in the glass) My father tells me that even I have faults. Perhaps I have. I don’t know.

Sir Robert Chiltern In defending myself against Mrs Cheveley, I have a right to use any weapon I can find, have I not?

Lord Goring (still looking in the glass) In your place I don’t think I should have the smallest scruple in doing so. She is thoroughly well able to take care of herself.

Sir Robert Chiltern (sits down at the table and takes a pen in his hand) Well, I shall send a cipher° telegram to the Embassy at Vienna, to inquire if there is anything known against her. There may be some secret scandal she might be afraid of.

Lord Goring (settling his buttonhole) Oh, I should fancy Mrs Cheveley is one of those very modern women of our time who find a new scandal as becoming as a new bonnet, and air them both in the Park every afternoon at five-thirty. I am sure she adores scandals, and that the sorrow of her life at present is that she can’t manage to have enough of them.

Sir Robert Chiltern (writing) Why do you say that?

Lord Goring (turning round) Well, she wore far too much rouge last night, and not quite enough clothes. That is always a sign of despair in a woman.

Sir Robert Chiltern (striking a bell) But it is worth while my wiring to Vienna, is it not?

Lord Goring It is always worth while asking a question, though it is not always worth while answering one.

Enter Mason

Sir Robert Chiltern Is Mr Trafford in his room?

Mason Yes, Sir Robert.

Sir Robert Chiltern (puts what he has written into an envelope, which he then carefully closes) Tell him to have this sent off in cipher at once. There must not be a moment’s delay.

Mason Yes, Sir Robert.

Sir Robert Chiltern Oh! just give that back to me again.

Writes something on the envelope. Mason then goes out with the letter