Gerald. Mother, you won’t leave us?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. I might bring shame upon you!
Gerald. Mother!
Mrs. Arbuthnot. For a little then: and if you let me, near you always.
Hester. [To Mrs. Arbuthnot.] Come out with us to the garden.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. Later on, later on. [Exeunt Hester and Gerald. Mrs. Arbuthnot goes towards door L.C. Stops at looking-glass over mantelpiece and looks into it. Enter Alice R.C.]
Alice. A gentleman to see you, ma’am.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. Say I am not at home. Show me the card. [Takes card from salver and looks at it.] Say I will not see him.
[Lord Illingworth enters. Mrs. Arbuthnot sees him in the glass and starts, but does not turn round. Exit Alice.] What can you have to say to me to-day, George Harford? You can have nothing to say to me. You must leave this house.
Lord Illingworth. Rachel, Gerald knows everything about you and me now, so some arrangement must be come to that will suit us all three. I assure you, he will find in me the most charming and generous of fathers.