Fouldes
She's a very clever woman.
Mereston
I've implored her to let me lend her the money, and she absolutely refuses. You see, she's kept nothing from me at all.
Lady Mereston
My dear Charlie, it's a very old dodge to confess what doesn't matter in order to conceal what does.
Mereston
What do you mean, mother?
Lady Mereston
Lady Frederick has told you nothing of the Bellingham affair?
Mereston
Why should she?
Lady Mereston
It is surely expedient you should know that the woman you have some idea of marrying escaped the divorce court only by the skin of her teeth.
Mereston
I don't believe that, mother.
Fouldes
Remember that you're talking to your respected parent, my boy.
Mereston
I'm sorry that my mother should utter base and contemptible libels on – my greatest friend.
Lady Mereston
You may be quite sure that I say nothing which I can't prove.
Mereston
I won't listen to anything against Lady Frederick.
Lady Mereston
But you must.
Mereston
Are you quite indifferent to the great pain you cause me?
Lady Mereston
I can't allow you to marry a woman who's hopelessly immoral.
Mereston
Mother, how dare you say that?
Fouldes
This isn't the sort of thing I much like, but hadn't you better hear the worst at once?
Mereston
Very well. But if my mother insists on saying things, she must say them in Lady Frederick's presence.
Lady Mereston
That I'm quite willing to do.
Mereston
Good.
[He rings the bell. A servant enters.
Fouldes
You'd better take care, Maudie. Lady Frederick's a dangerous woman to play the fool with.
Mereston
[To the servant.] Go to Lady Frederick Berolles and say Lord Mereston is extremely sorry to trouble her ladyship, but would be very much obliged if she'd come to the drawing-room for two minutes.
Servant
Very well, my lord.
[Exit.
Fouldes
What are you going to do, Maud?