lady chiltern. [Looking at him in surprise.] Lord Goring, you are talking quite seriously. I don’t think I ever heard you talk seriously before.
lord goring. [Laughing.] You must excuse me, Lady Chiltern. It won’t occur again, if I can help it.
lady chiltern. But I like you to be serious.
[Enter mabel chiltern, in the most ravishing frock.]
mabel chiltern. Dear Gertrude, don’t say such a dreadful thing to Lord Goring. Seriousness would be very unbecoming to him. Good afternoon Lord Goring! Pray be as trivial as you can.
lord goring. I should like to, Miss Mabel, but I am afraid I am . . . a little out of practice this morning; and besides, I have to be going now.
mabel chiltern. Just when I have come in! What dreadful manners you have! I am sure you were very badly brought up.
lord goring. I was.
mabel chiltern. I wish I had brought you up!
lord goring. I am so sorry you didn’t.