Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere's Fan Oscar Wilde

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 brilliantlights. 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 hasrevived cards.-They're a mother's only safeguard. You dear simple little thing! [Scratches out twonames.] No nice girl should ever waltz with such particularly younger sons! It looks so fast! The lasttwo 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 theseason?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 theseason?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. Hoppe