Wonderful woman, Lady Markby, isn't she? Talks more and says less than anybody I ever met. She is made to be a public speaker. Much more so than her husband, though he is a typical Englishman, always dull and usually violent.

(Makes no answer, but remains standing. There is a pause. Then the eyes of the two women meet. LADY CHILTERN looks stern and pale. MRS. CHEVELEY seems rather amused) Mrs Cheveley, I think it is right to tell you quite frankly that, had I known who you really were, I should not have invited you to my house last night.

(With an impertinent smile) Really?

I could not have done so.

I see that after all these years you have not changed a bit, Gertrude.

I never change.

(Elevating her eyebrows) Then life has taught you nothing?

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.

Would you apply that rule to everyone?

Yes, to everyone, without exception.

Then I am sorry for you, Gertrude, very sorry for you.

You see now, I was sure, that for many reasons any further acquaintance between us during your stay in London is quite impossible?

(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.

(Contemptuously) Like the service you wished to render my husband last night, I suppose. Thank heaven, I saved him from that.

(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?

Yes.

Then you must make him keep it. I give you till tomorrow 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 -

This fraudulent speculation -

Call it what you choose. I hold your husband in the hollow of my hand, and if you are wise you will make him do what I tell him.

(Rising and going towards her) You are impertinent. What has my husband to do with you? With a woman like you?

(With a bitter laugh) In this world like meets with like. It is because your husband is himself fraudulent and dishonest that we pair so well together. Between you and him there are chasms. He and I are closer than friends. We are enemies linked together. The same sin binds us.

How dare you class my husband with yourself? How dare you threaten him or me? Leave my house. You are unfit to enter it. (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN enters from behind. He hears his wife's last words, and sees to whom they are addressed. He grows deadly pale)

Your house! A house bought with the price of dishonour. A house, everything in which has been paid for by fraud. (Turns round and sees SIR ROBERT CHILTERN) Ask him what the origin of his fortune is! Get him to tell you how he sold to a stockbroker a Cabinet secret. Learn from him to what you owe your position.

It is not true! Robert! It is not true!

(Pointing at him with outstretched finger) Look at him! Can he deny it? Does he dare to?