Page:Wilde - A Woman of no Importance, 1909.djvu/178

RhACT IV. GERALD I have written to Lord Illingworth to tell him that he must marry you.

MRS. ARBUTHNOT Marry me?

GERALD Mother, I will force him to do it The wrong that has been done you must be repaired. Atonement must be made. Justice may be slow, mother, but it comes in the end. In a few days you shall be Lord Illingworth's lawful wife.

MRS. ARBUTHNOT But, Gerald

GERALD I will insist upon his doing it. I will make him do it: he will not dare to refuse.

MRS. ARBUTHNOT But, Gerald, it is I who refuse. I will not marry Lord Illingworth.

GERALD Not marry him? Mother! 160