watches, with a look of scorn and pain, MRS. ERLYNNE and her
husband. They are unconscious of her presence.]

MRS. ERLYNNE. Oh, yes! He's to call to-morrow at twelve o'clock!
He wanted to propose to-night. In fact he did. He kept on
proposing. Poor Augustus, you know how he repeats himself. Such a
bad habit! But I told him I wouldn't give him an answer till to-
morrow. Of course I am going to take him. And I dare say I'll
make him an admirable wife, as wives go. And there is a great deal
of good in Lord Augustus. Fortunately it is all on the surface.
Just where good qualities should be. Of course you must help me in
this matter.

LORD WINDERMERE. I am not called on to encourage Lord Augustus, I
suppose?

MRS. ERLYNNE. Oh, no! I do the encouraging. But you will make me
a handsome settlement, Windermere, won't you?

LORD WINDERMERE. [Frowning.] Is that what you want to talk to me
about to-night?

MRS ERLYNNE. Yes.

LORD WINDERMERE. [With a gesture of impatience.] I will not talk
of it here.

MRS. ERLYNNE. [Laughing.] Then we will talk of it on the terrace.
Even business should have a picturesque background. Should it not,
Windermere? With a proper background women can do anything.