_Lady Dol._ He has no taste for cards, horses, brandy, or actresses. We read together, walk together, and drive together. In the evening, if he is too tired to engage in conversation, I play the piano while he dozes. Lately he has taken a particular interest in Mozart's classic light opera. Any interest of that kind is so elevating, and I know of nothing more agreeable than a musical husband. _Lord Dol._ You see she is resolved on his marriage, and she has had Julia de Trappe on a visit with us for the last five weeks in the hope of bringing matters to a crisis. _Lady Dol._ And why not? Our marriage was arranged for us, and what idle fancies of our own could have led to such perfect contentment? [Lord Doldrummund _avoids her eyes_.] _Soame._ Julia de Trappe? She must be the daughter of that Mrs. Howard de Trappe who gives large At Homes in a small house, and who spends her time hunting for old lovers and new servants. _Lady Dol._ I own that dear Julia has been allowed to meet men and women who are not fit companions for a young girl, no matter how interesting they may be to the general public. Only yesterday she told me she was well acquainted with Mr. Mandeville, the tenor. Mrs. de Trappe, it seems, frequently invites him to dinner. Still, Julia herself is very sensible, and the family is of extraordinary antiquity. _Soame._ But the mother? If she has not been in the divorce court, it is through no fault of her own. _Lady Dol._ [_Biting her lip._] Mrs. de Trappe is vain and silly, I admit; but as she has at last decided to marry Mr. Banish, the banker, I am hoping she will live in his house at Hampstead, and think a little more about her immortal soul. _Soame._ Does Cyril seem at all interested in Miss Julia? _Lady Dol._ Cyril has great elegance of mind, and is not very strong in the expression of his feelings one way or the other. But I may say that a deep attachment exists between them. _Soame._ A man must have sound wisdom before he can appreciate innocence. But I have no desire to be discouraging, and I hope I may soon have the pleasure of congratulating you all on the wedding. Good-bye. _Lord Dol._ What! Must you go? _Soame._ Yes. But [_aside to_ Lord Dol.] I shall bear in mind what you say. I will do my best. I have an engagement in town to-night. [_Chuckles._] An amusing one. _Lord Dol._ [_With envy._] Where? _Soame._ At the Parnassus. _Lady Dol._ [_With a supercilious smile._] And what is the Parnassus? _Soame._ A theatre much favoured by young men who wish to be thought wicked, and by young ladies who _are._ Good-bye, good-bye. [_Shakes hands with_ Lord _and_ Lady Doldrummond _and goes out_.]