Act II

SCENE

Drawing-room in Lord Windermere's house. Door R.U. opening into
ball-room, where band is playing. Door L. through which guests are
entering. Door L.U. opens on to illuminated terrace. Palms,
flowers, and brilliant lights. Room crowded with guests. Lady
Windermere is receiving them.

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Up C.] So strange Lord Windermere isn't
here. Mr. Hopper is very late, too. You have kept those five
dances for him, Agatha? [Comes down.]

LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Sitting on sofa.] Just let me see your card.
I'm so glad Lady Windermere has revived cards.--They're a mother's
only safeguard. You dear simple little thing! [Scratches out two
names.] No nice girl should ever waltz with such particularly
younger sons! It looks so fast! The last two dances you might
pass on the terrace with Mr. Hopper.

[Enter MR. DUMBY and LADY PLYMDALE from the ball-room.]

LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Fanning herself.] The air is so pleasant
there.

PARKER. Mrs. Cowper-Cowper. Lady Stutfield. Sir James Royston.
Mr. Guy Berkeley.

[These people enter as announced.]

DUMBY. Good evening, Lady Stutfield. I suppose this will be the
last ball of the season?

LADY STUTFIELD. I suppose so, Mr. Dumby. It's been a delightful
season, hasn't it?

DUMBY. Quite delightful! Good evening, Duchess. I suppose this
will be the last ball of the season?

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. I suppose so, Mr. Dumby. It has been a very
dull season, hasn't it?

DUMBY. Dreadfully dull! Dreadfully dull!

MR. COWPER-COWPER. Good evening, Mr. Dumby. I suppose this will
be the last ball of the season?

DUMBY. Oh, I think not. There'll probably be two more. [Wanders
back to LADY PLYMDALE.]

PARKER. Mr. Rufford. Lady Jedburgh and Miss Graham. Mr. Hopper.

[These people enter as announced.]

HOPPER. How do you do, Lady Windermere? How do you do, Duchess?
[Bows to LADY AGATHA.]

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. Dear Mr. Hopper, how nice of you to come so
early. We all know how you are run after in London.

HOPPER. Capital place, London! They are not nearly so exclusive
in London as they are in Sydney.

DUCHESS OF BERWICK. Ah! we know your value, Mr. Hopper. We wish
there were more like you. It would make life so much easier. Do
you know, Mr. Hopper, dear Agatha and I are so much interested in
Australia. It must be so pretty with all the dear little kangaroos
flying about. Agatha has found it on the map. What a curious
shape it is! Just like a large packing case. However, it is a
very young country, isn't it?

HOPPER. Wasn't it made at the same time as the others, Duchess?