章节正文
Darlington meant by the imaginaryinstance of the couple not two
years married. Oh! it can't be true - she spoke of enormous sums
of money paid to this woman. I know where Arthur keeps his bank
book - in one of the drawers of that desk. I might find out by
that. I WILL find out. [Opens drawer.] No, it is some hideous
mistake. [Rises and goes C.] Some silly scandal! He loves ME!
He loves ME! But why should I not look? I am his wife, I have a
right to look! [Returns to bureau, takes out book and examines it
page by page, smiles and gives a sigh of relief.] I knew it! there
is not a word of truth in this stupid story. [Puts book back in
dranver. As the does so, starts and takes out another book.] A
second book - private - locked! [Tries to open it, but fails.
Sees paper knife on bureau, and with it cuts cover from book.
Begins to start at the first page.] 'Mrs. Erlynne - ?00 - Mrs.
Erlynne - ?00 - Mrs. Erlynne - ?00.' Oh! it is true! It is
true! How horrible! [Throws book on floor.] [Enter LORD
WINDERMERE C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Well, dear, has the fan been sent home yet?
[Going R.C. Sees book.] Margaret, you have cut open my bank book.
You have no right to do such a thing!
LADY WINDERMERE. You think it wrong that you are found out, don't
you?
LORD WINDERMERE. I think it wrong that a wife should spy on her
husband.
LADY WINDERMERE. I did not spy on you. I never knew of this
woman's existence till half an hour ago. Some one who pitied me
was kind enough to tell me what every one in London knows already -
your daily visits to Curzon Street, your mad infatuation, the
monstrous sums of money you squander on this infamous woman!
[Crossing L.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret! don't talk like that of Mrs. Erlynne,
you don't know how unjust it is!
LADY WINDERMERE. [Turning to him.] You are very jealous of Mrs.
Erlynne's honour. I wish you had been as jealous of mine.
LORD WINDERMERE. Your honour is untouched, Margaret. You don't
think for a moment that - [Puts book back into desk.]
LADY WINDERMERE. I think that you spend your money strangely.
That is all. Oh, don't imagine I mind about the money. As far as
I am concerned, you may squander everything we have. But what I DO
mind is that you who have loved me, you who have taught me to love
you, should pass from the love that is given to the love that is
bought. Oh, it's horrible! [Sits on sofa.] And it is I who feel
degraded! YOU don't feel anything. I feel stained, utterly
stained. You can't realise how hideous the last six months seems
to me now - every kiss you have given me is tainted in my memory.
LORD WINDERMERE. [Crossing to her.] Don't say that, Margaret. I
never loved any one in the whole world but you.
LADY WINDERMERE. [Rises.] Who is this woman, then? Why do you
take a house for her?
LORD WINDERMERE. I did not take a house for her.
LADY WINDERMERE. You gave her the money to do it, which is the
same thing.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, as far as I have known Mrs. Erlynne -
LADY WINDERMERE. Is there a Mr. Erlynne - or is he a myth?
LORD WINDERMERE. Her husband died many years ago. She is alone in
the world.
LADY WINDERMERE. No relations? [A pause.]
LORD WINDERMERE. None.
LADY WINDERMERE. Rather curious, isn't it? [L.]
LORD WINDERMERE. [L.C.] Margaret, I was saying to you - and I beg
you to listen to me - that as far as I have known Mrs. Erlynne, she
has conducted herself well. If years ago -
LADY WINDERMERE. Oh! [Crossing R.C.] I don't want details about
her life!
LORD WINDERMERE. [C.] I am not going to give you any details
about her life. I tell you simply this - Mrs. Erlynne was once
honoured, loved, respected. She was well born, she had position -
she lost everything - threw it away, if you like. That makes it
all the more bitter. Misfortunes one can endure - they come from
outside, they are accidents. But to suffer for one's own faults -
ah! - there is the sting of life. It was twenty years ago, too.
She was little more than a girl then. She had been a wife for even
less time than you have.
LADY WINDERMERE. I am not interested in her - and - you should not
mention this woman and me in the same breath. It is an error of
taste. [Sitting R. at desk.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you could save this woman. She wants
to get back into society, and she wants you to help her. [Crossing
to her.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Me!
LORD WINDERMERE. Yes, you.
LADY WINDERMERE. How impertinent of her! [A pause.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, I came to ask you a great favour, and I
still ask it of you, though you have discovered what I had intended
you should never have known that I have given Mrs. Erlynne a large
sum of money. I want you to send her an invitation for our party
to-night. [Standing L. of her.]
LADY WINDERMERE. You are mad! [Rises.]
LORD WINDERMERE. I entreat you. People may chatter about her, do
chatter about her, of course, but they don't know anything definite
against her. She has been to several houses - not to houses where
you would go, I admit, but still to houses where women who are in
what is called Society nowadays do go. That does not content her.
She wants you to receive her once.
LADY WINDERMERE. As a triumph for her, I suppose?
LORD WINDERMERE. No; but because she knows that you are a good
woman - and that if she comes here once she will have a chance of a
happier, a surer life than she has had. She will make no further
effort to know you. Won't you help a woman who is trying to get
back?
LADY WINDERMERE. No! If a woman really repents, she never wishes
to return to the society that has made or seen her ruin.
LORD WINDERMERE. I beg of you.
LADY WINDERMERE. [Crossing to door R.] I am going to dress for
dinner, and don't mention the subject again this evening. Arthur
[going to him C.], you fancy because I have no father or mother
that I am alone in the world, and that you can treat me as you
choose. You are wrong, I have friends, many friends.
LORD WINDERMERE. [L.C.] Margaret, you are talking foolishly,
recklessly. I won't argue with you, but I insist upon your asking
Mrs. Erlynne to-night.
LADY WINDERMERE. [R.C.] I shall do nothing of the kind.
[Crossing L. C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. You refuse? [C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Absolutely!
LORD WINDERMERE. Ah, Margaret, do this for my sake; it is her last
chance.
LADY WINDERMERE. What has that to do with me?
LORD WINDERMERE. How hard good women are!
LADY WINDERMERE. How weak bad men are!
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, none of us men may be good enough for
the women we marry - that is quite true - but you don't imagine I
would ever - oh, the suggestion is monstrous!
LADY WINDERMERE. Why should YOU be different from other men? I am
told that there is hardly a husband in London who does not waste
his life over SOME shameful passion.
LORD WINDERMERE. I am not one of them.
LADY WINDERMERE. I am not sure of that!
LORD WINDERMERE. You are sure in your heart. But don't make chasm
after chasm between us. God knows the last few minutes have thrust
us wide enough apart. Sit down and write the card.
LADY WINDERMERE. Nothing in the whole world would induce me.
LORD WINDERMERE. [Crossing to bureau.] Then I will! [Rings
electric bell, sits and writes card.]
LADY WINDERMERE. You are going to invite this woman? [Crossing to
him.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Yes. [Pause. Enter PARKER.] Parker!
PARKER Yes, my lord. [Comes down L.C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Have this note sent to Mrs. Erlynne at No. 84A
Curzon Street. [Crossing to L.C. and giving note to PARKER.]
There is no answer!
[Exit PARKER C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Arthur, if that woman comes here, I shall insult
her.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, don't say that.
LADY WINDERMERE. I mean it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Child, if you did such a thing, there's not a
woman in London who wouldn't pity you.
LADY WINDERMERE. There is not a GOOD woman in London who would not
applaud me. We have been too lax. We must make an example. I
propose to begin to-night. [Picking up fan.] Yes, you gave me
this fan to-day; it was your birthday present. If that woman
crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you couldn't do such a thing.
LADY WINDERMERE. You don't know me! [Moves R.]
[Enter PARKER.]
Parker!
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. I shall dine in my own room. I don't want
dinner, in fact. See that everything is ready by half-past ten.
And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names of the guests very
distinctly to-night. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them.
I am particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to
make no mistake. You understand, Parker?
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. That will do!
[Exit PARKER C.]
[Speaking to LORD WINDERMERE] Arthur, if that woman comes here - I
warn you -
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you'll ruin us!
LADY WINDERMERE. Us! From this moment my life is separate from
yours. But if you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to
this woman, and tell her that I forbid her to come here!
LORD WINDERMERE. I will not - I cannot - she must come!
LADY WINDERMERE. Then I shall do exactly as I have said. [Goes
R.] You leave me no choice. [Exit R.]
LORD WINDERMERE. [Calling after her.] Margaret! Margaret! [A
pause.] My God! What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this
woman really is. The shame would kill her. [Sinks down into a
chair and buries his face in his hands.]
ACT DROP
SECOND ACT
SCENE
Drawing-room in Lord Windermere's house. Door R.U. opening into
ball-room, where band is playing. Door L. through which guests are
entering. Door L.U. opens on to illuminated terrace. Palms,
flowers, and brilliant lights. Room crowded with guests. Lady
Windermere is receiving them.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Up C.] So strange Lord Windermere isn't
here. Mr. Hopper is very late, too. You have kept those five
dances for him, Agatha? [Comes down.]
LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Sitting on sofa.] Just let me see your card.
I'm so glad Lady Windermere has revived cards. - They're a mother's
only safeguard. You dear simple little thing! [Scratches out two
names.] No nice girl should ever waltz with such particularly
younger sons! It looks so fast! The last two dances you might
pass on the terrace with Mr. Hopper.
[Enter MR. DUMBY and LADY PLYMDALE from the ball-room.]
LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Fanning herself.] The air is so pleasant
years married. Oh! it can't be true - she spoke of enormous sums
of money paid to this woman. I know where Arthur keeps his bank
book - in one of the drawers of that desk. I might find out by
that. I WILL find out. [Opens drawer.] No, it is some hideous
mistake. [Rises and goes C.] Some silly scandal! He loves ME!
He loves ME! But why should I not look? I am his wife, I have a
right to look! [Returns to bureau, takes out book and examines it
page by page, smiles and gives a sigh of relief.] I knew it! there
is not a word of truth in this stupid story. [Puts book back in
dranver. As the does so, starts and takes out another book.] A
second book - private - locked! [Tries to open it, but fails.
Sees paper knife on bureau, and with it cuts cover from book.
Begins to start at the first page.] 'Mrs. Erlynne - ?00 - Mrs.
Erlynne - ?00 - Mrs. Erlynne - ?00.' Oh! it is true! It is
true! How horrible! [Throws book on floor.] [Enter LORD
WINDERMERE C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Well, dear, has the fan been sent home yet?
[Going R.C. Sees book.] Margaret, you have cut open my bank book.
You have no right to do such a thing!
LADY WINDERMERE. You think it wrong that you are found out, don't
you?
LORD WINDERMERE. I think it wrong that a wife should spy on her
husband.
LADY WINDERMERE. I did not spy on you. I never knew of this
woman's existence till half an hour ago. Some one who pitied me
was kind enough to tell me what every one in London knows already -
your daily visits to Curzon Street, your mad infatuation, the
monstrous sums of money you squander on this infamous woman!
[Crossing L.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret! don't talk like that of Mrs. Erlynne,
you don't know how unjust it is!
LADY WINDERMERE. [Turning to him.] You are very jealous of Mrs.
Erlynne's honour. I wish you had been as jealous of mine.
LORD WINDERMERE. Your honour is untouched, Margaret. You don't
think for a moment that - [Puts book back into desk.]
LADY WINDERMERE. I think that you spend your money strangely.
That is all. Oh, don't imagine I mind about the money. As far as
I am concerned, you may squander everything we have. But what I DO
mind is that you who have loved me, you who have taught me to love
you, should pass from the love that is given to the love that is
bought. Oh, it's horrible! [Sits on sofa.] And it is I who feel
degraded! YOU don't feel anything. I feel stained, utterly
stained. You can't realise how hideous the last six months seems
to me now - every kiss you have given me is tainted in my memory.
LORD WINDERMERE. [Crossing to her.] Don't say that, Margaret. I
never loved any one in the whole world but you.
LADY WINDERMERE. [Rises.] Who is this woman, then? Why do you
take a house for her?
LORD WINDERMERE. I did not take a house for her.
LADY WINDERMERE. You gave her the money to do it, which is the
same thing.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, as far as I have known Mrs. Erlynne -
LADY WINDERMERE. Is there a Mr. Erlynne - or is he a myth?
LORD WINDERMERE. Her husband died many years ago. She is alone in
the world.
LADY WINDERMERE. No relations? [A pause.]
LORD WINDERMERE. None.
LADY WINDERMERE. Rather curious, isn't it? [L.]
LORD WINDERMERE. [L.C.] Margaret, I was saying to you - and I beg
you to listen to me - that as far as I have known Mrs. Erlynne, she
has conducted herself well. If years ago -
LADY WINDERMERE. Oh! [Crossing R.C.] I don't want details about
her life!
LORD WINDERMERE. [C.] I am not going to give you any details
about her life. I tell you simply this - Mrs. Erlynne was once
honoured, loved, respected. She was well born, she had position -
she lost everything - threw it away, if you like. That makes it
all the more bitter. Misfortunes one can endure - they come from
outside, they are accidents. But to suffer for one's own faults -
ah! - there is the sting of life. It was twenty years ago, too.
She was little more than a girl then. She had been a wife for even
less time than you have.
LADY WINDERMERE. I am not interested in her - and - you should not
mention this woman and me in the same breath. It is an error of
taste. [Sitting R. at desk.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you could save this woman. She wants
to get back into society, and she wants you to help her. [Crossing
to her.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Me!
LORD WINDERMERE. Yes, you.
LADY WINDERMERE. How impertinent of her! [A pause.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, I came to ask you a great favour, and I
still ask it of you, though you have discovered what I had intended
you should never have known that I have given Mrs. Erlynne a large
sum of money. I want you to send her an invitation for our party
to-night. [Standing L. of her.]
LADY WINDERMERE. You are mad! [Rises.]
LORD WINDERMERE. I entreat you. People may chatter about her, do
chatter about her, of course, but they don't know anything definite
against her. She has been to several houses - not to houses where
you would go, I admit, but still to houses where women who are in
what is called Society nowadays do go. That does not content her.
She wants you to receive her once.
LADY WINDERMERE. As a triumph for her, I suppose?
LORD WINDERMERE. No; but because she knows that you are a good
woman - and that if she comes here once she will have a chance of a
happier, a surer life than she has had. She will make no further
effort to know you. Won't you help a woman who is trying to get
back?
LADY WINDERMERE. No! If a woman really repents, she never wishes
to return to the society that has made or seen her ruin.
LORD WINDERMERE. I beg of you.
LADY WINDERMERE. [Crossing to door R.] I am going to dress for
dinner, and don't mention the subject again this evening. Arthur
[going to him C.], you fancy because I have no father or mother
that I am alone in the world, and that you can treat me as you
choose. You are wrong, I have friends, many friends.
LORD WINDERMERE. [L.C.] Margaret, you are talking foolishly,
recklessly. I won't argue with you, but I insist upon your asking
Mrs. Erlynne to-night.
LADY WINDERMERE. [R.C.] I shall do nothing of the kind.
[Crossing L. C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. You refuse? [C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Absolutely!
LORD WINDERMERE. Ah, Margaret, do this for my sake; it is her last
chance.
LADY WINDERMERE. What has that to do with me?
LORD WINDERMERE. How hard good women are!
LADY WINDERMERE. How weak bad men are!
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, none of us men may be good enough for
the women we marry - that is quite true - but you don't imagine I
would ever - oh, the suggestion is monstrous!
LADY WINDERMERE. Why should YOU be different from other men? I am
told that there is hardly a husband in London who does not waste
his life over SOME shameful passion.
LORD WINDERMERE. I am not one of them.
LADY WINDERMERE. I am not sure of that!
LORD WINDERMERE. You are sure in your heart. But don't make chasm
after chasm between us. God knows the last few minutes have thrust
us wide enough apart. Sit down and write the card.
LADY WINDERMERE. Nothing in the whole world would induce me.
LORD WINDERMERE. [Crossing to bureau.] Then I will! [Rings
electric bell, sits and writes card.]
LADY WINDERMERE. You are going to invite this woman? [Crossing to
him.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Yes. [Pause. Enter PARKER.] Parker!
PARKER Yes, my lord. [Comes down L.C.]
LORD WINDERMERE. Have this note sent to Mrs. Erlynne at No. 84A
Curzon Street. [Crossing to L.C. and giving note to PARKER.]
There is no answer!
[Exit PARKER C.]
LADY WINDERMERE. Arthur, if that woman comes here, I shall insult
her.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, don't say that.
LADY WINDERMERE. I mean it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Child, if you did such a thing, there's not a
woman in London who wouldn't pity you.
LADY WINDERMERE. There is not a GOOD woman in London who would not
applaud me. We have been too lax. We must make an example. I
propose to begin to-night. [Picking up fan.] Yes, you gave me
this fan to-day; it was your birthday present. If that woman
crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it.
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you couldn't do such a thing.
LADY WINDERMERE. You don't know me! [Moves R.]
[Enter PARKER.]
Parker!
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. I shall dine in my own room. I don't want
dinner, in fact. See that everything is ready by half-past ten.
And, Parker, be sure you pronounce the names of the guests very
distinctly to-night. Sometimes you speak so fast that I miss them.
I am particularly anxious to hear the names quite clearly, so as to
make no mistake. You understand, Parker?
PARKER. Yes, my lady.
LADY WINDERMERE. That will do!
[Exit PARKER C.]
[Speaking to LORD WINDERMERE] Arthur, if that woman comes here - I
warn you -
LORD WINDERMERE. Margaret, you'll ruin us!
LADY WINDERMERE. Us! From this moment my life is separate from
yours. But if you wish to avoid a public scandal, write at once to
this woman, and tell her that I forbid her to come here!
LORD WINDERMERE. I will not - I cannot - she must come!
LADY WINDERMERE. Then I shall do exactly as I have said. [Goes
R.] You leave me no choice. [Exit R.]
LORD WINDERMERE. [Calling after her.] Margaret! Margaret! [A
pause.] My God! What shall I do? I dare not tell her who this
woman really is. The shame would kill her. [Sinks down into a
chair and buries his face in his hands.]
ACT DROP
SECOND ACT
SCENE
Drawing-room in Lord Windermere's house. Door R.U. opening into
ball-room, where band is playing. Door L. through which guests are
entering. Door L.U. opens on to illuminated terrace. Palms,
flowers, and brilliant lights. Room crowded with guests. Lady
Windermere is receiving them.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Up C.] So strange Lord Windermere isn't
here. Mr. Hopper is very late, too. You have kept those five
dances for him, Agatha? [Comes down.]
LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Sitting on sofa.] Just let me see your card.
I'm so glad Lady Windermere has revived cards. - They're a mother's
only safeguard. You dear simple little thing! [Scratches out two
names.] No nice girl should ever waltz with such particularly
younger sons! It looks so fast! The last two dances you might
pass on the terrace with Mr. Hopper.
[Enter MR. DUMBY and LADY PLYMDALE from the ball-room.]
LADY AGATHA. Yes, mamma.
DUCHESS OF BERWICK. [Fanning herself.] The air is so pleasant
- instance [´instəns]
n.例子，实例，例证 (初中英语单词) - enormous [i´nɔ:məs] a.巨大地，很，极 (初中英语单词)
- bureau [´bjuərəu] n.局；编辑部；事务所 (初中英语单词)
- stupid [´stju:pid] a.愚蠢的；糊涂的 (初中英语单词)
- existence [ig´zistəns] n.存在；生存；生活 (初中英语单词)
- jealous [´dʒeləs] a.妒忌的 (初中英语单词)
- endure [in´djuə] vt.忍耐，忍受；坚持 (初中英语单词)
- breath [breθ] n.呼吸；气息 (初中英语单词)
- invitation [,invi´teiʃən] n.邀请；请帖；吸引 (初中英语单词)
- chatter [´tʃætə] vi.&n.饶舌；闲聊 (初中英语单词)
- triumph [´traiəmf] n.胜利 vi.得胜，战胜 (初中英语单词)
- suggestion [sə´dʒestʃən] n.建议，提议；暗示 (初中英语单词)
- anxious [´æŋkʃəs] a.担忧的；渴望的 (初中英语单词)
- forbid [fə´bid] vt.禁止，不许，阻止 (初中英语单词)
- opening [´əupəniŋ] n.开放；开端 a.开始的 (初中英语单词)
- brilliant [´briliənt] a.灿烂的；杰出的 (初中英语单词)
- imaginary [i´mædʒinəri] a.想象的；虚构的 (高中英语单词)
- concerned [kən´sə:nd] a.有关的；担心的 (高中英语单词)
- hideous [´hidiəs] a.丑陋的，可怕的 (高中英语单词)
- saying [´seiŋ, ´sei-iŋ] n.言语；言论；格言 (高中英语单词)
- threshold [´θreʃhəuld] n.门槛；入门；开端 (高中英语单词)
- scandal [´skændl] n.丑闻；耻辱；流言蜚语 (高中英语单词)
- terrace [´terəs] n.梯田 vt.使成梯田 (高中英语单词)
- crowded [´kraudid] a.充(拥)满了的 (高中英语单词)
- safeguard [´seifgɑ:d] n.保护措施；护送者 (高中英语单词)
- unjust [ʌn´dʒʌst] a.不公平(正)的 (英语四级单词)
- entreat [in´tri:t] vt.恳求，恳请 (英语四级单词)
- trying [´traiiŋ] a.难堪的；费劲的 (英语四级单词)
- shameful [´ʃeimfəl] a.可耻的；猥亵的 (英语四级单词)
- infamous [´infəməs] a.声名狼藉的 (英语六级单词)
- untouched [ʌn´tʌtʃt] a.原样的；未触动过的 (英语六级单词)
文章标签:名著
章节正文
京公网安备 11011202003401号
