mrs. marchmont. [After a pause.] Oh! do you really think that is what Mrs. Cheveley meant?
lord goring. Of course. And a very sensible remark for Mrs. Cheveley to make, too.
[Enter mabel chiltern. She joins the group.]
mabel chiltern. Why are you talking about Mrs. Cheveley? Everybody is talking about Mrs. Cheveley! Lord Goring says—what did you say, Lord Goring, about Mrs. Cheveley? Oh! I remember, that she was a genius in the daytime and a beauty at night.
lady basildon. What a horrid combination! So very unnatural!
mrs. marchmont. [In her most dreamy manner.] I like looking at geniuses, and listening to beautiful people.
lord goring. Ah! that is morbid of you, Mrs. Marchmont!
mrs. marchmont. [Brightening to a look of real pleasure.] I am so glad to hear you say that. Marchmont and I have been married for seven years, and he has never once told me that I was morbid. Men are so painfully unobservant!
lady basildon. [Turning to her.] I have always said, dear Margaret, that you were the most morbid person in London.
mrs. marchmont. Ah! but you are always sympathetic, Olivia!