Lady Windermeres Fan | Page 7

but still to houses where women who
are in what is called Society nowadays do go. That does not content her. She wants you
to receive her once.
LADY WINDERMERE. As a triumph for her, I suppose?
LORD WINDERMERE. No; but because she knows that you are a good woman--and
that if she comes here once she will have a chance of a happier, a surer life than she has
had. She will make no further effort to know you. Won't you help a woman who is trying
to get back?
LADY WINDERMERE. No! If a woman really repents, she never wishes to return to the

society that has made or seen her ruin.
LORD WINDERMERE. I beg of you.
LADY WINDERMERE. [Crossing to door R.] I am going to dress for dinner, and don't
mention the subject again this evening. Arthur [going to him C.], you fancy because I
have no father or mother that I am alone in the world, and that you can treat me as you
choose. You are wrong, I have friends, many friends.
LORD WINDERMERE. [L.C.] Margaret, you are talking foolishly, recklessly. I won't
argue with you, but I insist upon your asking Mrs. Erlynne to-night.
LADY WINDERMERE. [R.C.] I shall do nothing of the kind. [Crossing L. C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. You refuse? [C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Absolutely!
LORD WINDERMERE. Ah, Margaret, do this for my sake; it is her last chance.
LADY WINDERMERE. What has that to do with me?
LORD WINDERMERE. How hard good women are!
LADY WINDERMERE. How weak bad men are!
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, none of us men may be good enough for the women
we marry--that is quite true--but you don't imagine I would ever--oh, the suggestion is
monstrous!
LADY WINDERMERE. Why should YOU be different from other men? I am told that
there is hardly a husband in London who does not waste his life over SOME shameful
passion.
LORD WINDERMERE. I am not one of them.
LADY WINDERMERE. I am not sure of that!
LORD WINDERMERE. You are sure in your heart. But don't make chasm after chasm
between us. God knows the last few minutes have thrust us wide enough apart. Sit down
and write the card.
LADY WINDERMERE. Nothing in the whole world would induce me.
LORD WINDERMERE. [Crossing to bureau.] Then I will! [Rings electric bell, sits and
writes card.]
LADY WINDERMERE. You are going to invite this woman? [Crossing to him.]

LORD WINDERMERE. Yes. [Pause. Enter PARKER.] Parker!
PARKER. Yes, my lord. [Comes down L.C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Have this note sent to Mrs. Erlynne at No. 84A Curzon Street.
[Crossing to L.C. and giving note to PARKER.] There is no answer!
[Exit PARKER C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Arthur, if that woman comes here, I shall insult her.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, don't say that.
LADY WINDERMERE. I mean it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Child, if you did such a thing, there's not a woman in London
who wouldn't pity you.
LADY WINDERMERE. There is not a GOOD woman in London who would not
applaud me. We have been too lax. We must make an example. I propose to begin
to-night. [Picking up fan.] Yes, you gave me this fan to-day; it was your birthday present.
If that woman crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you couldn't do such a thing.
LADY WINDERMERE. You don't know me! [Moves R.]
[Enter PARKER.]
Parker!
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. I shall dine in my own room. I don't want dinner, in fact. See
that everything is ready by half-past ten. And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names
of the guests very distinctly to-night. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them. I am
particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to make no mistake. You
understand, Parker?
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. That will do!
[Exit PARKER C.]
[Speaking to LORD WINDERMERE] Arthur, if that woman comes here--I warn you -
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you'll ruin us!

LADY WINDERMERE. Us! From this moment my life is separate from yours. But if
you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to this woman, and tell her that I forbid
her to come here!
LORD WINDERMERE. I will not--I cannot--she must come!
LADY WINDERMERE. Then I shall do exactly as I have said. [Goes R.] You leave me
no choice. [Exit R.]
LORD WINDERMERE. [Calling after her.] Margaret! Margaret! [A pause.] My God!
What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this woman really is. The shame would kill her.
[Sinks down into a chair and buries his face in his hands.]
ACT DROP

SECOND ACT

SCENE
Drawing-room in Lord Windermere's house. Door R.U. opening into ball-room, where
band is playing. Door L. through