a sign of despair in
a woman.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Striking a bell_.] But it is worth while my
wiring to Vienna, is it not?

LORD GORING. It is always worth while asking a question, though it is
not always worth while answering one.

[_Enter_ MASON.]

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. Is Mr. Trafford in his room?

MASON. Yes, Sir Robert.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Puts what he has written into an envelope_,
_which he then carefully closes_.] Tell him to have this sent off in
cipher at once. There must not be a moment's delay.

MASON. Yes, Sir Robert.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. Oh! just give that back to me again.

[_Writes something on the envelope_. MASON _then goes out with the
letter_.]

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. She must have had some curious hold over Baron
Arnheim. I wonder what it was.

LORD GORING. [_Smiling_.] I wonder.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. I will fight her to the death, as long as my wife
knows nothing.

LORD GORING. [_Strongly_.] Oh, fight in any case--in any case.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_With a gesture of despair_.] If my wife found
out, there would be little left to fight for. Well, as soon as I hear
from Vienna, I shall let you know the result. It is a chance, just a
chance, but I believe in it. And as I fought the age with its own
weapons, I will fight her with her weapons. It is only fair, and she
looks like a woman with a past, doesn't she?

LORD GORING. Most pretty women do. But there is a fashion in pasts just
as there is a fashion in frocks. Perhaps Mrs. Cheveley's past is merely
a slightly decollete one, and they are excessively popular nowadays.
Besides, my dear Robert, I should not build too high hopes on frightening
Mrs. Cheveley. I should not fancy Mrs. Cheveley is a woman who would be
easily frightened. She has survived all her creditors, and she shows
wonderful presence of mind.

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. Oh! I live on hopes now. I clutch at every chance.
I feel like a man on a ship that is sinking. The water is round my feet,
and the very air is bitter with storm. Hush! I hear my wife's voice.

[_Enter_ LADY CHILTERN _in walking dress_.]

LADY CHILTERN. Good afternoon, Lord Goring!

LORD GORING. Good afternoon, Lady Chiltern! Have you been in the Park?

LADY CHILTERN. No; I have just come from the Woman's Liberal
Association, where, by the way, Robert, your name was received with loud
applause, and now I have come in to have my tea. [_To_ LORD GORING.]
Y