.

LADY CHILTERN. Public honour has been the result.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. I think so. I fear so, almost. For although I am
safe from detection, although every proof against me is destroyed, I
suppose, Gertrude . . . I suppose I should retire from public life? [_He
looks anxiously at his wife_.]

LADY CHILTERN. [_Eagerly_.] Oh yes, Robert, you should do that. It is
your duty to do that.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. It is much to surrender.

LADY CHILTERN. No; it will be much to gain.

[SIR ROBERT CHILTERN _walks up and down the room with a troubled
expression_. _Then comes over to his wife_, _and puts his hand on her
shoulder_.]

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. And you would be happy living somewhere alone with
me, abroad perhaps, or in the country away from London, away from public
life? You would have no regrets?

LADY CHILTERN. Oh! none, Robert.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Sadly_.] And your ambition for me? You used to
be ambitious for me.

LADY CHILTERN. Oh, my ambition! I have none now, but that we two may
love each other. It was your ambition that led you astray. Let us not
talk about ambition.

[LORD GORING _returns from the conservatory_, _looking very pleased with
himself_, _and with an entirely new buttonhole that some one has made for
him_.]

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Going towards him_.] Arthur, I have to thank you
for what you have done for me. I don't know how I can repay you.
[_Shakes hands with him_.]

LORD GORING. My dear fellow, I'll tell you at once. At the present
moment, under the usual palm tree . . . I mean in the conservatory . . .

[_Enter_ MASON.]

MASON. Lord Caversham.

LORD GORING. That admirable father of mine really makes a habit of
turning up at the wrong moment. It is very heartless of him, very
heartless indeed.

[_Enter_ LORD CAVERSHAM. MASON _goes out_.]

LORD CAVERSHAM. Good morning, Lady Chiltern! Warmest congratulations to
you, Chiltern, on your brilliant speech last night. I have just left the
Prime Minister, and you are to have the vacant seat in the Cabinet.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_With a look of joy and triumph_.] A seat in the
Cabinet?

LORD CAVERSHAM. Yes; here is the Prime Minister's letter. [_Hands
letter_.]

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Takes letter and reads it_.] A seat in the
Cabinet!

LORD CAVERSHAM. Certainly, and you well deserve it too. You have got
what we want so much in political life nowadays--high character, high
moral