Mrs. Erlynne. No; you see, to-morrow I am going to accept him. And I think it would be a good thing if I was able to tell him that I had—well, what shall I say?—£2000 a year left to me by a third cousin—or a second husband—or some distant relative of that kind. It would be an additional attraction, wouldn’t it? You have a delightful opportunity now of paying me a compliment, Windermere. But you are not very clever at paying compliments. I am afraid Margaret doesn’t encourage you in that excellent habit. It’s a great mistake on her part. When men give up saying what is charming, they give up thinking what is charming. But seriously, what do you say to £2000? £2500, I think. In modern life margin is everything. Windermere, don’t you think the world an intensely amusing place? I do!
[Exit on terrace with Lord Windermere. Music strikes up in ball-room.]
Lady Windermere. To stay in this house any longer is impossible. To-night a man who loves me offered me his whole life. I refused it. It was foolish of me. I will offer him mine now. I will give him mine. I will go to him! [Puts on cloak and goes to the door, then turns back. Sits down at table and writes a letter, puts it into an envelope, and leaves it on table.] Arthur has never understood me. When he reads this, he will. He may do as he chooses now with his life. I have done with mine as I think best, as I think right. It is he who has broken the bond of marriage—not I. I only break its bondage.
[Exit.]
[Parker enters L. and crosses towards the ball-room R. Enter Mrs. Erlynne.]
Mrs. Erlynne. Is Lady Windermere in the ball-room?
Parker. Her ladyship has just gone out.
Mrs. Erlynne. Gone out? She’s not on the terrace?
Parker. No, madam. Her ladyship has just gone out of the house.
Mrs. Erlynne. [Starts, and looks at the servant with a puzzled expression in her face.] Out of the house?