Duchess of Berwick. [Who has risen, goes C.] What a charming, wicked creature! I like him so much. I’m quite delighted he’s gone! How sweet you’re looking! Where do you get your gowns? And now I must tell you how sorry I am for you, dear Margaret. [Crosses to sofa and sits with Lady Windermere.] Agatha, darling!
Lady Agatha. Yes, mamma. [Rises.]
Duchess of Berwick. Will you go and look over the photograph album that I see there?
Lady Agatha. Yes, mamma. [Goes to table up L.]
Duchess of Berwick. Dear girl! She is so fond of photographs of Switzerland. Such a pure taste, I think. But I really am so sorry for you, Margaret.
Lady Windermere. [Smiling.] Why, Duchess?
Duchess of Berwick. Oh, on account of that horrid woman. She dresses so well, too, which makes it much worse, sets such a dreadful example. Augustus—you know my disreputable brother—such a trial to us all—well, Augustus is completely infatuated about her. It is quite scandalous, for she is absolutely inadmissible into society. Many a woman has a past, but I am told that she has at least a dozen, and that they all fit.
Lady Windermere. Whom are you talking about, Duchess?
Duchess of Berwick. About Mrs. Erlynne.
Lady Windermere. Mrs. Erlynne? I never heard of her, Duchess. And what has she to do with me?