Hester. And the man should be punished in the same way?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. In the same way. And the children, if there are children, in the same way also?
Hester. Yes, it is right that the sins of the parents should be visited on the children. It is a just law. It is God’s law.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. It is one of God’s terrible laws.
[Moves away to fireplace.]
Hester. You are distressed about your son leaving you, Mrs. Arbuthnot?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. Yes.
Hester. Do you like him going away with Lord Illingworth? Of course there is position, no doubt, and money, but position and money are not everything, are they?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. They are nothing; they bring misery.
Hester. Then why do you let your son go with him?