Gerald. Can’t you guess, mother, what I have written in this letter?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. No.
Gerald. Mother, surely you can. Think, think what must be done, now, at once, within the next few days.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. There is nothing to be done.
Gerald. I have written to Lord Illingworth to tell him that he must marry you.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. Marry me?
Gerald. Mother, I will force him to do it. The wrong that has been done you must be repaired. Atonement must be made. Justice may be slow, mother, but it comes in the end. In a few days you shall be Lord Illingworth’s lawful wife.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. But, Gerald—
Gerald. I will insist upon his doing it. I will make him do it: he will not dare to refuse.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. But, Gerald, it is I who refuse. I will not marry Lord Illingworth.