An Ideal Husband

lord caversham. [Considerably taken aback.] What does this mean, sir? You don’t mean to say that this charming, clever young lady has been so foolish as to accept you?

lord goring. Certainly, father! And Chiltern’s been wise enough to accept the seat in the Cabinet.

lord caversham. I am very glad to hear that, Chiltern.. I congratulate you, sir. If the country doesn’t go to the dogs or the Radicals, we shall have you Prime Minister, some day.

[Entermason.]

mason. Luncheon is on the table, my Lady!

[masongoes out.]

mabel chiltern. You’ll stop to luncheon, Lord Caversham, won’t you?

lord caversham. With pleasure, and I’ll drive you down to Downing Street afterwards, Chiltern. You have a great future before you, a great future. Wish I could say the same for you, sir. [Tolord goring.] But your career will have to be entirely domestic.

lord goring. Yes, father, I prefer it domestic.

lord caversham. And if you don’t make this young lady an ideal husband, I’ll cut you off with a shilling.

mabel chiltern. 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 exceptsir robert chiltern. He sinks in a chair, wrapt in thought. After a little timelady chilternreturns 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.

Curtain