lord goring. Most pretty women do. But there is a fashion in pasts just as there is a fashion in frocks. Perhaps Mrs. Cheveley’s past is merely a slightly décolleté one, and they are excessively popular nowadays. Besides, my dear Robert, I should not build too high hopes on frightening Mrs. Cheveley. I should not fancy Mrs. Cheveley is a woman who would be easily frightened. She has survived all her creditors, and she shows wonderful presence of mind.
sir robert chiltern. Oh! I live on hopes now. I clutch at every chance. I feel like a man on a ship that is sinking. The water is round my feet, and the very air is bitter with storm. Hush! I hear my wife’s voice.
[Enter lady chiltern in walking dress.]
lady chiltern. Good afternoon, Lord Goring!
lord goring. Good afternoon, Lady Chiltern! Have you been in the Park?
lady chiltern. No; I have just come from the Woman’s Liberal Association, where, by the way, Robert, your name was received with loud applause, and now I have come in to have my tea. [To lord goring.] You will wait and have some tea, won’t you?
lord goring. I’ll wait for a short time, thanks.
lady chiltern. I will be back in a moment. I am only going to take my hat off.
lord goring. [In his most earnest manner.] Oh! please don’t. It is so pretty. One of the prettiest hats I ever saw. I hope the Woman’s Liberal Association received it with loud applause.
lady chiltern. [With a smile.] We have much more important work to do than look at each other’s bonnets, Lord Goring.