mrs. cheveley [Sitting down.] I thought your frock so charming last night, Miss Chiltern. So simple and . . . suitable.
mabel chiltern. Really? I must tell my dressmaker. It will be such a surprise to her. Good-bye, Lady Markby!
lady markby. Going already?
mabel chiltern. I am so sorry but I am obliged to. I am just off to rehearsal. I have got to stand on my head in some tableaux.
lady markby. On your head, child? Oh! I hope not. I believe it is most unhealthy. [Takes a seat on the sofa next lady chiltern.]
mabel chiltern. But it is for an excellent charity: in aid of the Undeserving, the only people I am really interested in. I am the secretary, and Tommy Trafford is treasurer.
mrs. cheveley. And what is Lord Goring?
mabel chiltern. Oh! Lord Goring is president.
mrs. cheveley. The post should suit him admirably, unless he has deteriorated since I knew him first.
lady markby. [Reflecting.] You are remarkably modern, Mabel. A little too modern, perhaps. Nothing is so dangerous as being too modern. One is apt to grow old-fashioned quite suddenly. I have known many instances of it.