to dress for dinner, and don’t mention the subject again this evening. Arthur [Going to him C.], you fancy because I have no father or mother that I am alone in the world, and that you can treat me as you choose. You are wrong, I have friends, many friends.
lord windermere
[L.C.] Margaret, you are talking foolishly, recklessly. I won’t argue with you, but I insist upon your asking Mrs. Erlynne to-night.
·30· lady windermere
[R.C.] I shall do nothing of the kind. [Crossing L. C.]
lord windermere
You refuse? [C.]
lady windermere
Absolutely!
lord windermere
Ah, Margaret, do this for my sake; it is her last chance.
lady windermere
What has that to do with me?
lord windermere
How hard good women are!
lady windermere
How weak bad men are!
lord windermere
Margaret, none of us men may be good enough for the women we marry—that is quite true—but you don’t imagine I would ever—oh, the suggestion is monstrous!
lady windermere
Why should you be different from other men? ·31· I am told that there is hardly a husband in London who does not waste his life over some shameful passion.
lord windermere
I am not one of them.
lady windermere
I am not sure of that!
lord windermere
You are sure in your heart. But don’t make chasm after chasm between us. God knows the last few minutes have thrust us wide enough apart. Sit down and write the card.
lady windermere
Nothing in the whole world would induce me.
lord windermere
[Crossing to bureau.] Then I will! [Rings electric bell, sits and writes card.]
lady windermere
You are going to invite this woman? [Crossing to him.]
lord windermere
Yes.
[Pause. Enter Parker.
Parker!
·32· parker
Yes, my lord. [Comes down L.C.]
lord windermere
Have this note sent to Mrs. Erlynne at No. 84a Curzon Street. [Crossing to L.C. and giving note to Parker.] There is no answer!
[Exit Parker C.
lady windermere
Arthur, if that woman comes here, I shall insult her.
lord windermere
Margaret, don’t say that.
lady windermere
I mean it.
lord windermere
Child, if you did such a thing, there’s not a woman in London who wouldn’t pity you.
lady windermere
There is not a good woman in London who would not applaud me. We have been too lax. We must make an example. I propose to begin to-night. [Picking up fan.] Yes, you gave me this fan to-day; it was your birthday present. If that woman crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it.
·33· lord windermere
Margaret, you couldn’t do such a thing.
lady windermere
You don’t know me! [Moves R.]
[Enter Parker.
Parker!
parker
Yes, my lady.
lady windermere
I shall dine in my own room. I don’t want dinner, in fact. See that everything is ready by half-past ten. And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names of the guests very distinctly to-night. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them. I am particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to make no mistake. You understand, Parker?
parker
Yes, my lady.
lady windermere
That will do!
[Exit Parker C.
[Speaking to Lord Windermere.] Arthur, if that woman comes here—I warn you——
·34· lord windermere
Margaret, you’ll ruin us!
lady windermere
Us! From this moment my life is separate from yours. But if you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to this woman, and tell her that I forbid her to come here!
lord windermere
I will not—I cannot—she must come!
lady windermere
Then I shall do exactly as I have said. [Goes R.] You leave me no choice. [Exit R.
lord windermere
[Calling after her.] Margaret! Margaret! [A pause.] My God! What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this woman really is. The shame would kill her. [Sinks down into a chair and buries his face in his hands.]
Act Drop
·35· Second Act.
·37· SCENE—Drawing-room in Lord Windermere’s house. Door R.U. opening
