LORD WINDERMERE. Won't to-morrow do as well?

MRS. ERLYNNE. No; you see, to-morrow I am going to accept him.
And I think it would be a good thing if I was able to tell him that
I had--well, what shall I say?--2000 pounds a year left to me by a
third cousin--or a second husband--or some distant relative of that
kind. It would be an additional attraction, wouldn't it? You have
a delightful opportunity now of paying me a compliment, Windermere.
But you are not very clever at paying compliments. I am afraid
Margaret doesn't encourage you in that excellent habit. It's a
great mistake on her part. When men give up saying what is
charming, they give up thinking what is charming. But seriously,
what do you say to 2000 pounds? 2500 pounds, I think. In modern
life margin is everything. Windermere, don't you think the world
an intensely amusing place? I do!

[Exit on terrace with LORD WINDERMERE. Music strikes up in ball-
room.]

LADY WINDERMERE. To stay in this house any longer is impossible.
To-night a man who loves me offered me his whole life. I refused
it. It was foolish of me. I will offer him mine now. I will give
him mine. I will go to him! [Puts on cloak and goes to the door,
then turns back. Sits down at table and writes a letter, puts it
into an envelope, and leaves it on table.] Arthur has never
understood me. When he reads this, he will. He may do as he
chooses now with his life. I have done with mine as I think best,
as I think right. It is he who has broken the bond of marriage--
not I. I only break its bondage.