A Woman of No Importance

by Oscar Wilde

Mrs. Arbuthnot. And we women know life too late. That is the difference between men and women. [A pause.]

Lord Illingworth. Rachel, I want my son. My money may be of no use to him now. I may be of no use to him, but I want my son. Bring us together, Rachel. You can do it if you choose. [Sees letter on table.]

Mrs. Arbuthnot. There is no room in my boy’s life for you. He is not interested in you.

Lord Illingworth. Then why does he write to me?

Mrs. Arbuthnot. What do you mean?

Lord Illingworth. What letter is this? [Takes up letter.]

Mrs. Arbuthnot. That—is nothing. Give it to me.

Lord Illingworth. It is addressed to me.

Mrs. Arbuthnot. You are not to open it. I forbid you to open it.

Lord Illingworth. And in Gerald’s handwriting.