Lord Windermere. [C.] Margaret! I must speak to you.
Lady Windermere. Will you hold my fan for me, Lord Darlington? Thanks. [Comes down to him.]
Lord Windermere. [Crossing to her.] Margaret, what you said before dinner was, of course, impossible?
Lady Windermere. That woman is not coming here to-night!
Lord Windermere. [R.C.] Mrs. Erlynne is coming here, and if you in any way annoy or wound her, you will bring shame and sorrow on us both. Remember that! Ah, Margaret! only trust me! A wife should trust her husband!
Lady Windermere. [C.] London is full of women who trust their husbands. One can always recognise them. They look so thoroughly unhappy. I am not going to be one of them. [Moves up.] Lord Darlington, will you give me back my fan, please? Thanks. . . . A useful thing a fan, isn’t it? . . . I want a friend to-night, Lord Darlington: I didn’t know I would want one so soon.
Lord Darlington. Lady Windermere! I knew the time would come some day; but why to-night?
Lord Windermere. I will tell her. I must. It would be terrible if there were any scene. Margaret . . .
Parker. Mrs. Erlynne!
[Lord Windermere starts. Mrs. Erlynne enters, very beautifully dressed and very dignified. Lady Windermere clutches at her fan, then lets it drop on the door. She bows coldly to Mrs. Erlynne, who bows to her sweetly in turn, and sails into the room.]