ACT I.

_Lady Windermere._ How horrible! (_Lady Windermere sits left I understand now what of centre, looks toward Lord Darlington meant by the desk, rises, starts toward imaginary instance of the couple desk, hesitates centre, goes not two years married. Oh! it to desk, tries drawer, hunts can't be true--she spoke of for and finds key, unlocks enormous sums of money paid drawer, takes out check to this woman. I know where book, looks over stubs, finds Arthur keeps his bank book--in nothing and is relieved, one of the drawers of that then sees first entry._) desk. I might find out by that. I _will_ find out. (_Opens drawer._) _Lady Windermere._ Mrs. Erlynne-- No, it is some hideous mistake. L600--Mrs. Erlynne--L700--Mrs. (_Rises and goes C_.) Some silly Erlynne--L400. Oh! it is true! scandal! He loves _me_! He loves it is true! _me_! But why should I not look? I am his wife, I have a right to look! (_Returns to bureau, takes out book and examines it, page by page, smiles and gives a sigh of relief._) I knew it, there is not a word of truth in this stupid story. (_Puts book back in drawer. As she does so, starts and takes out another book._) A second book--private--locked! (_Tries to open it but fails. Sees paper knife on bureau, and with it cuts cover from book. Begins to start at the first page._) Mrs. Erlynne--L600--Mrs. Erlynne-- L700--Mrs. Erlynne--L400. Oh! it is true! it is true! How horrible! (_Throws book on floor._)[51]