Footman
Captain Montgomerie wishes to know if he may see your ladyship.
Lady Frederick
I'd forgotten all about him.
Gerald
Let me go to him, shall I?
Lady Frederick
No, I'm not afraid of him any longer. He can't do anything to you. And as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter.
Gerald
Then I'll tell him to go to the devil.
Lady Frederick
No, I'm going to tell him that myself. [To the Footman.] Ask Captain Montgomerie to come here.
Footman
Yes, miladi.
[Exit.
Lady Frederick.
[Walking up and down furiously.] I'm going to tell him that myself.
Fouldes
Now keep calm, Betsy.
Lady Frederick
[Very deliberately.] I shall not keep calm.
Fouldes
Remember that you're a perfect lady.
Lady Frederick
Don't interfere with me. I ate humble pie yesterday, and it didn't agree with me at all.
[Footman enters to announce Captain Montgomerie, who follows him, and immediately withdraws.
Footman
Captain Montgomerie.
Captain Montgomerie
How d'you do.
[He is obviously surprised to see the others.
Lady Frederick
[Pleasantly.] Quite a party, aren't we?
Captain Montgomerie
Yes. [A pause.] I hope you don't mind my coming so early?
Lady Frederick
Not at all. You made an appointment for half-past ten.
Captain Montgomerie
I trust you have good news for me.
Lady Frederick
Captain Montgomerie, every one here knows the circumstances that have brought you.
Captain Montgomerie
I should have thought it wiser for both our sakes not to make them too public.
Lady Frederick
[Very amiably.] I don't see why you should be ashamed because you made me a proposal of marriage?
Captain Montgomerie
I'm sorry you should think it a laughing matter, Lady Frederick.
Lady Frederick
I don't. I never laugh at an impertinence.
Captain Montgomerie