LADY MARKBY. Perhaps the people are a little jaded. I have often observed that the Season as it goes on produces a kind of softening of the brain. However, I think anything is better than high intellectual pressure. That is the most unbecoming thing there is. It makes the noses of the young girls so particularly large. And there is nothing so difficult to marry as a large nose; men don’t like them. Good-night, dear! [_To_ LADY CHILTERN.] Good-night, Gertrude! [_Goes out on_ LORD CAVERSHAM’S _arm_.] MRS. CHEVELEY. What a charming house you have, Lady Chiltern! I have spent a delightful evening. It has been so interesting getting to know your husband. LADY CHILTERN. Why did you wish to meet my husband, Mrs. Cheveley? MRS. CHEVELEY. Oh, I will tell you. I wanted to interest him in this Argentine Canal scheme, of which I dare say you have heard. And I found him most susceptible,—susceptible to reason, I mean. A rare thing in a man. I converted him in ten minutes. He is going to make a speech in the House to-morrow night in favour of the idea. We must go to the Ladies’ Gallery and hear him! It will be a great occasion! LADY CHILTERN. There must be some mistake. That scheme could never have my husband’s support. MRS. CHEVELEY. Oh, I assure you it’s all settled. I don’t regret my tedious journey from Vienna now. It has been a great success. But, of course, for the next twenty-four hours the whole thing is a dead secret. LADY CHILTERN. [_Gently_.] A secret? Between whom? MRS. CHEVELEY. [_With a flash of amusement in her eyes_.] Between your husband and myself. SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. [_Entering_.] Your carriage is here, Mrs. Cheveley! MRS. CHEVELEY. Thanks! Good evening, Lady Chiltern! Good-night, Lord Goring! I am at Claridge’s. Don’t you think you might leave a card? LORD GORING. If you wish it, Mrs. Cheveley! MRS. CHEVELEY. Oh, don’t be so solemn about it, or I shall be obliged to leave a card on you. In England I suppose that would hardly be considered _en règle_. Abroad, we are more civilised. Will you see me down, Sir Robert? Now that we have both the same interests at heart we shall be great friends, I hope! [_Sails out on_ SIR ROBERT CHILTERN’S _arm_. LADY CHILTERN _goes to the top of the staircase and looks down at them as they descend_. _Her expression is troubled_. _After a little time she is joined by some of the guests_, _and passes with them into another reception-room_.] MABEL CHILTERN. What a horrid woman! LORD GORING. You should go to bed, Miss Mabel. MABEL CHILTERN. Lord Goring! LORD GORING. My father told me to go to bed an hour ago. I don’t see why I shouldn’t give you the same advice. I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.