Lord Illingworth. The world is simply divided into two classes—those who believe the incredible, like the public—and those who do the improbable—
Mrs. Allonby. Like yourself?
Lord Illingworth. Yes; I am always astonishing myself. It is the only thing that makes life worth living.
Lady Stutfield. And what have you been doing lately that astonishes you?
Lord Illingworth. I have been discovering all kinds of beautiful qualities in my own nature.
Mrs. Allonby. Ah! don’t become quite perfect all at once. Do it gradually!
Lord Illingworth. I don’t intend to grow perfect at all. At least, I hope I shan’t. It would be most inconvenient. Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our gigantic intellects.
Mrs. Allonby. It is premature to ask us to forgive analysis. We forgive adoration; that is quite as much as should be expected from us.
[Enter Lord Alfred. He joins Lady Stutfield.]
Lady Hunstanton. Ah! we women should forgive everything, shouldn’t we, dear Mrs. Arbuthnot? I am sure you agree with me in that.