. In every nature there are
elements of weakness, or worse than weakness. Supposing, for instance,
that--that any public man, my father, or Lord Merton, or Robert, say,
had, years ago, written some foolish letter to some one . . .

LADY CHILTERN. What do you mean by a foolish letter?

LORD GORING. A letter gravely compromising one's position. I am only
putting an imaginary case.

LADY CHILTERN. Robert is as incapable of doing a foolish thing as he is
of doing a wrong thing.

LORD GORING. [_After a long pause_.] Nobody is incapable of doing a
foolish thing. Nobody is incapable of doing a wrong thing.

LADY CHILTERN. Are you a Pessimist? What will the other dandies say?
They will all have to go into mourning.

LORD GORING. [_Rising_.] No, Lady Chiltern, I am not a Pessimist.
Indeed I am not sure that I quite know what Pessimism really means. All
I do know is that life cannot be understood without much charity, cannot
be lived without much charity. It is love, and not German philosophy,
that is the true explanation of this world, whatever may be the
explanation of the next. And if you are ever in trouble, Lady Chiltern,
trust me absolutely, and I will help you in every way I can. If you ever
want me, come to me for my assistance, and you shall have it. Come at
once to me.

LADY CHILTERN. [_Looking at him in surprise_.] Lord Goring, you are
talking quite seriously. I don't think I ever heard you talk seriously
before.

LORD GORING. [_Laughing_.] You must excuse me, Lady Chiltern. It won't
occur again, if I can help it.

LADY CHILTERN. But I like you to be serious.

[_Enter_ MABEL CHILTERN, _in the most ravishing frock_.]

MABEL CHILTERN. Dear Gertrude, don't say such a dreadful thing to Lord
Goring. Seriousness would be very unbecoming to him. Good afternoon
Lord Goring! Pray be as trivial as you can.

LORD GORING. I should like to, Miss Mabel, but I am afraid I am . . . a
little out of practice this morning; and besides, I have to be going now.

MABEL CHILTERN. Just when I have come in! What dreadful manners you
have! I am sure you were very badly brought up.

LORD GORING. I was.

MABEL CHILTERN. I wish I had brought you up!

LORD GORING. I am so sorry you didn't.

MABEL CHILTERN. It is too late now, I suppose?

LORD GORING. [_Smiling_.] I am not so sure.

MABEL CHILTERN. Will you ride to-morrow morning?

LORD GORING. Yes, at ten.

MABEL CHILTERN. Don't f