Chapter XLV: 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]