mabel chiltern. Lord Goring, I never believe a single word that either you or I say to each other.
lord caversham. You are quite right, my dear, quite right . . . as far as he is concerned, I mean.
mabel chiltern. Do you think you could possibly make your son behave a little better occasionally? Just as a change.
lord caversham. I regret to say, Miss Chiltern, that I have no influence at all over my son. I wish I had. If I had, I know what I would make him do.
mabel chiltern. I am afraid that he has one of those terribly weak natures that are not susceptible to influence.
lord caversham. He is very heartless, very heartless.
lord goring. It seems to me that I am a little in the way here.
mabel chiltern. It is very good for you to be in the way, and to know what people say of you behind your back.
lord goring. I don’t at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.
lord caversham. After that, my dear, I really must bid you good morning.