[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.
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 —
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.]
SECOND ACT
Drawing-room in Lord Windermere’s house.
Door R.U. opening into ball-room, where band is playing.
Door L. through which guests are entering.
Door L.U. opens on to illuminated terrace. Palms,
flowers, and brilliant lights. Room crowded with
guests. Lady Windermere is receiving them.
Duchess of Berwick. [Up C.] So strange
Lord Windermere isn’t here. Mr. Hopper
is very late, too. You have kept those five
dances for him, Agatha? [Comes down.]
