lady chiltern. It has taught me that a person who has once been guilty of a dishonest and dishonourable action may be guilty of it a second time, and should be shunned.
mrs. cheveley. Would you apply that rule to every one?
lady chiltern. Yes, to every one, without exception.
mrs. cheveley. Then I am sorry for you, Gertrude, very sorry for you.
lady chiltern. You see now, I was sure, that for many reasons any further acquaintance between us during your stay in London is quite impossible?
mrs. cheveley [Leaning back in her chair.] Do you know, Gertrude, I don’t mind your talking morality a bit. Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike. You dislike me. I am quite aware of that. And I have always detested you. And yet I have come here to do you a service.
lady chiltern. [Contemptuously.] Like the service you wished to render my husband last night, I suppose. Thank heaven, I saved him from that.
mrs. cheveley. [Starting to her feet.] It was you who made him write that insolent letter to me? It was you who made him break his promise?
lady chiltern. Yes.
mrs. cheveley. Then you must make him keep it. I give you till to-morrow morning—no more. If by that time your husband does not solemnly bind himself to help me in this great scheme in which I am interested—