nybody 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.

LADY CHILTERN. [_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 _seem 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.

MRS. CHEVELEY [_With an impertinent smile_.] Really?

LADY CHILTERN. I could not have done so.

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

LADY CHILTERN. I never change.

MRS. CHEVELEY [_Elevating her eyebrows_.] Then life has taught you
nothing?

LADY CHILTERN. 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.

MRS. CHEVELEY. Would you apply that rule to every one?

LADY CHILTERN. Yes, to every one, without exception.

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

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

MRS. CHEVELEY [_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.

LADY CHILTERN. [_Contemptuously_.] Like the service you wished to
render my husband last night, I suppose. Thank heaven, I saved him from
that.

MRS. CHEVELEY. [_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?

LADY CHILTERN. Yes.

MRS. CHEVELEY. Then you must make him keep it. I give you till
to-morrow 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--

LADY CHILTERN. This fraudulent speculation--

MRS. CHEVELEY. 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.

LADY CHILTERN. [_Rising and going towards her_.] You are impertinent.
What has m