CECIL GRAHAM. And a sentimentalist, my dear Darlington, is a man who sees an absurd value in everything, and doesn’t know the market price of any single thing.
LORD DARLINGTON. You always amuse me, Cecil. You talk as if you were a man of experience.
CECIL GRAHAM. I am. [_Moves up to front off fireplace_.]
CECIL GRAHAM. That is a great error. Experience is a question of instinct about life. I have got it. Tuppy hasn’t. Experience is the name Tuppy gives to his mistakes. That is all. [LORD AUGUSTUS _looks round indignantly_.]
DUMBY. Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.
CECIL GRAHAM. [_Standing with his back to the fireplace_.] One shouldn’t commit any. [_Sees_ LADY WINDERMERE’S _fan on sofa_.]
DUMBY. Life would be very dull without them.
CECIL GRAHAM. Of course you are quite faithful to this woman you are in love with, Darlington, to this good woman?
LORD DARLINGTON. Cecil, if one really loves a woman, all other women in the world become absolutely meaningless to one. Love changes one—_I_ am changed.
CECIL GRAHAM. Dear me! How very interesting! Tuppy, I want to talk to you. [LORD AUGUSTUS _takes no notice_.]
DUMBY. It’s no use talking to Tuppy. You might just as well talk to a brick wall.
CECIL GRAHAM. But I like talking to a brick wall—it’s the only thing in the world that never contradicts me! Tuppy!
LORD AUGUSTUS. Well, what is it? What is it? [_Rising and going over to_ CECIL GRAHAM.]
CECIL GRAHAM. Come over here. I want you particularly. [_Aside_.] Darlington has been moralising and talking about the purity of love, and that sort of thing, and he has got some woman in his rooms all the time.
CECIL GRAHAM. [_In a low voice_.] Yes, here is her fan. [_Points to the fan_.]
LORD AUGUSTUS. [_Chuckling_.] By Jove! By Jove!
LORD WINDERMERE. [_Up by door_.] I am really off now, Lord Darlington. I am sorry you are leaving England so soon. Pray call on us when you come back! My wife and I will be charmed to see you!
LORD DARLINGTON. [_Upstage with_ LORD WINDERMERE.] I am afraid I shall be away for many years. Good-night!
CECIL GRAHAM. I want to speak to you for a moment. No, do come!
LORD WINDERMERE. [_Putting on his coat_.] I can’t—I’m off!
CECIL GRAHAM. It is something very particular. It will interest you enormously.