that rich young Australian people are taking such notice of just at
present. His father made a great fortune by selling some kind of
food in circular tins--most palatable, I believe--I fancy it is the
thing the servants always refuse to eat. But the son is quite
interesting. I think he's attracted by dear Agatha's clever talk.
Of course, we should be very sorry to lose her, but I think that a
mother who doesn't part with a daughter every season has no real
affection. We're coming to-night, dear. [PARKER opens C. doors.]
And remember my advice, take the poor fellow out of town at once,
it is the only thing to do. Good-bye, once more; come, Agatha.

[Exeunt DUCHESS and LADY AGATHA C.]

LADY WINDERMERE. How horrible! I understand now what Lord
Darlington meant by the imaginary instance of the couple not two
years married. Oh! it can't be true--she spoke of enormous sums of
money paid to this woman. I know where Arthur keeps his bank book-
-in one of the drawers of that desk. I might find out by that. I
WILL find out. [Opens drawer.] No, it is some hideous mistake.
[Rises and goes C.] Some silly scandal! He loves ME! He loves
ME! But why should I not look? I am his wife, I have a right to
look! [Returns to bureau, takes out book and examines it page by
page, smiles and gives a sigh of relief.] I knew it! there is not
a word of truth in this stupid story. [Puts book back in dranver.
As the does so, starts and takes out another book.] A second book-
-private--locked! [Tries to open it, but fails. Sees paper knife
on bureau, and with it cuts cover from book. Begins to start at
the first page.] 'Mrs. Erlynne--600 pounds--Mrs. Erlynne--700
pounds--Mrs. Erlynne--400 pounds.' Oh! it is true! It is true!
How horrible! [Throws book on floor.] [Enter LORD WINDERMERE C.]