An ideal husband! Oh, I don't think I should like
that. It sounds like something in the next world.
LORD CAVERSHAM. What do you want him to be then, dear?
MABEL CHILTERN. He can be what he chooses. All I want is to be . .
. to be . . . oh! a real wife to him.
LORD CAVERSHAM. Upon my word, there is a good deal of common sense
in that, Lady Chiltern.
[They all go out except SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. He sinks in a chair,
wrapt in thought. After a little time LADY CHILTERN returns to look
for him.]
LADY CHILTERN. [Leaning over the back of the chair.] Aren't you
coming in, Robert?
SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [Taking her hand.] Gertrude, is it love you
feel for me, or is it pity merely?
LADY CHILTERN. [Kisses him.] It is love, Robert. Love, and only
love. For both of us a new life is beginning.
