Sir Robert Chiltern Ah! why did you not add you loved me?

Lady Chiltern (taking his hand) Because I loved you.

Lord Goring passes into the conservatory

Sir Robert Chiltern (kisses her) Gertrude, you don’t know what I feel. When Montford passed me your letter across the table—he had opened it by mistake, I suppose, without looking at the handwriting on the envelope—and I read it—oh! I did not care what disgrace or punishment was in store for me, I only thought you loved me still.

Lady Chiltern There is no disgrace in store for you, nor any public shame. Mrs Cheveley has handed over to Lord Goring the document that was in her possession, and he has destroyed it.

Sir Robert Chiltern Are you sure of this, Gertrude?

Lady Chiltern Yes; Lord Goring has just told me.

Sir Robert Chiltern Then I am safe! Oh! What a wonderful thing to be safe! For two days I have been in terror. I am safe now. How did Arthur destroy my letter? Tell me.

Lady Chiltern He burned it.

Sir Robert Chiltern I wish I had seen that one sin of my youth burning to ashes. How many men there are in modern life who would like to see their past burning to white ashes before them! Is Arthur still here?

Lady Chiltern Yes; he is in the conservatory.

Sir Robert Chiltern I am so glad now I made that speech last night in the House, so glad. I made it thinking that public disgrace might be the result. But it has not been so.

Lady Chiltern Public honour has been the result.

Sir Robert Chiltern I think so. I fear so, almost. For although I am safe from detection, although every proof against me is destroyed, I suppose, Gertrude… I suppose I should retire from public life?

He looks anxiously at his wife.

Lady Chiltern (eagerly) Oh yes, Robert, you should do that. It is your duty to do that.

Sir Robert Chiltern It is much to surrender.

Lady Chiltern No; it will be much to gain.

Sir Robert Chiltern walks up and down the room with a troubled expression. Then comes over to his wife, and puts his hand on her shoulder

Sir Robert Chiltern And you would be happy living somewhere alone with me, abroad perhaps, or in the country away from London, away from public life? You would have no regrets?

Lady Chiltern Oh! none, Robert.

Sir Robert Chiltern (sadly) And your ambition for me? You used to be ambitious for me.

Lady Chiltern Oh, my ambition! I have none now, but that we two may love each other. It was your ambition that led you astray. Let us not talk about ambition.