Page:Wilde - A Woman of no Importance, 1909.djvu/201

RhACT IV. watches him all the time.] You have read this letter, I suppose, Rachel?

MRS. ARBUTHNOT No.

LORD ILLINGWORTH You know what is in it?

MRS. ARBUTHNOT Yes!

LORD ILLINGWORTH I don't admit for a moment that the boy is right in what he says. I don't admit that it is any duty of mine to marry you. I deny it entirely. But to get my son back I am ready—yes, I am ready to marry you, Rachel—and to treat you always with the deference and respect due to my wife. I will marry you as soon as you choose. I give you my word of honour.

MRS. ARBUTHNOT You made that promise to me once before and broke it. 183