Mabel Chiltern You silly Arthur! If you knew anything about… anything, which you don’t, you would know that I adore you. Everyone in London knows it except you. It is a public scandal the way I adore you. I have been going about for the last six months telling the whole of society that I adore you. I wonder you consent to have anything to say to me. I have no character left at all. At least, I feel so happy that I am quite sure I have no character left at all.

Lord Goring (catches her in his arms° and kisses her. Then there is a pause of bliss) Dear! Do you know I was awfully afraid of being refused!

Mabel Chiltern (looking up at him) But you never have been refused yet by anybody, have you, Arthur? I can’t imagine anyone refusing you.

Lord Goring (after kissing her again) Of course I’m not nearly good enough for you, Mabel.

Mabel Chiltern (nestling close to him) I am so glad, darling. I was afraid you were.

Lord Goring (after some hesitation) And I’m… I’m a little over thirty.

Mabel Chiltern Dear, you look weeks younger than that.

Lord Goring (enthusiastically) How sweet of you to say so!… And it is only fair to tell you frankly that I am fearfully extravagant.

Mabel Chiltern: But so am I, Arthur. So we’re sure to agree. And now I must go and see Gertrude.

Lord Goring Must you really?

Kisses her

Mabel Chiltern Yes.

Lord Goring Then do tell her I want to talk to her particularly. I have been waiting here all the morning to see either her or Robert.

Mabel Chiltern Do you mean to say you didn’t come here expressly to propose to me?

Lord Goring (triumphantly) No; that was a flash of genius.

Mabel Chiltern Your first.

Lord Goring (with determination) My last.

Mabel Chiltern I am delighted to hear it. Now don’t stir. I’ll be back in five minutes. And don’t fall into any temptations while I am away.

Lord Goring Dear Mabel, while you are away, there are none. It makes me horribly dependent on you.

Enter Lady Chiltern

Lady Chiltern Good morning, dear! How pretty you are looking!

Mabel Chiltern How pale you are looking, Gertrude! It is most becoming!

Lady Chiltern Good morning, Lord Goring!

Lord Goring (bowing) Good morning, Lady Chiltern.