Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere's Fan Oscar Wilde

Morning-room of Lord Windermere's house in Carlton House Terrace. Doors C. and R. Bureau with books andpapers R. Sofa with small tea-table L. Window opening on to terrace L. Table R.[LADY WINDERMERE is at table R., arranging roses in a blue bowl.][Enter PARKER.]PARKER. Is your ladyship at home this afternoon?LADY WINDERMERE. Yes-who has called?PARKER. Lord Darlington, my lady. LADY WINDERMERE. [Hesitates for a moment.] Show him up-and I'm at home to any one who calls. PARKER. Yes, my lady.[Exit C.]LADY WINDERMERE. It's best for me to see him before to-night. I'm glad he's come.[Enter PARKER C.]PARKER. Lord Darlington, [Enter LORD DARLINGTON C.][Exit PARKER.]LORD DARLINGTON. How do you do, Lady Windermere?LADY WINDERMERE. How do you do, Lord Darlington? No, I can't shake hands with you. Myhands are all wet with these roses. Aren't they lovely? They came up from Selby this morning. LORD DARLINGTON. They are quite perfect. [Sees a fan lying on the table.] And what a wonderfulfan! May I look at it?LADY WINDERMERE. Do. Pretty, isn't it! It's got my name on it, and everything. I have only justseen it myself. It's my husband's birthday present to me. You know to-day is my birthday?LORD DARLINGTON. No? Is it really?LADY WINDERMERE. Yes, I'm of age to-day. Quite an important day in my life, isn't it? That iswhy I am giving this party to-night. Do sit down. [Still arranging flowers.