An Ideal Husband Study Guide
(Oscar Wilde)

First Act

Setting: The Octagon Room at Sir Robert Chiltern's house in the Grosvenor Square, London

The Chiltern's are hosting a party at their house in London. The entryway is at the top of a grand staircase. Lady Chiltern is at the top of the staircase, greeting the guests. She is elegant and statuesque. At two nearby couches, Mrs. Marchmont and Lady Basildon, two beautiful guests, converse with each other.

Mrs. Marchmont wants to know why they come to these sorts of parties, and Lady Basildon replies that it is to be educated. However, they feel that intelligent conversation is lacking. At dinner, the man Lady Basildon was talking to spent the whole time talking about his wife, and the man Mrs. Marchmont talked to only talked about her qualities. Bored, they leave to go to the music room.

At the top of the staircase, Mason, the Chiltern's Butler, announces Mr. and Mrs. Jane Barford and Lord Caversham. Lord Caversham asks Lady Chiltern after her greeting if she has seen his good-for-nothing son, Lord Goring. Lady Chiltern replies that she hasn't, and Mabel Chiltern, Sir Robert Chiltern's sister, inquires as to why he referred to his own son as "good-for-nothing". Lord Caversham replies that he is idle, yet Mabel points out that he uses all his time socializing. This receives a laugh, and Lord Caversham comments on Mabel's charming nature. He himself is not fond of London society, but Mabel says she enjoys it immensely. Mabel thinks society is formed of "beautiful idiots" and "brilliant lunatics", which is the way it should be. When Lord Caversham asks which category his son falls into, Mabel replies that he has his own category, but she hasn't figured out what it is yet.

Mason announces two more guests, Lady Markby and Mrs. Cheveley, and the scene shifts to the two new women. Lady Chiltern greets Lady Markby warmly, and Lady Markby tries to introduce her to Mrs. Cheveley. Lady Chiltern at first is friendly and then, upon a closer look, bows coldly to Mrs. Cheveley, saying they've met before. Mrs. Cheveley feigns innocence, saying she cannot place her. Lady Chiltern reminds her that they went to school together and asks why she has come to London. When Mrs. Cheveley replies she says that it was to meet Lady Chiltern's husband, Sir Robert Chiltern. At this, Lady Chiltern replies that Mrs. Cheveley cannot have any relevant business with her husband, and departs.

The Vicomte De Nanjac, a young French gentleman, approaches Mrs. Cheveley and tells her that it is been a long time. The last time they saw each other was in Berlin, five years ago. He tells her she is beautiful, and she accuses him of flattery.

Sir Robert Chiltern enters. He has a distinct air, and a strong personality which demands respect. He wants to know who Mrs. Cheveley is, and Mabel introduces them. Mrs. Cheveley came to London from Vienna, and she and Sir Robert enter into conversation. He compliments her and offers to introduce her to his wife, but Mrs. Cheveley replies that the two knew each other in school. She believes Lady Chiltern got rewards for good behavior, but Mrs. Cheveley didn't receive good marks. Sir Robert, being polite, tells her that she should have gotten a reward for being charming, and Mrs. Cheveley, once again saying the unexpected, remarks that being charming only punishes women instead of helping them. Sir Robert, keeping up with the witty reply, asks if she is an optimist or a pessimist. She says that she is neither and that science can't possibly understand women as they are too irrational.

She tells Sir Robert that she came to London for the sole purpose of meeting him, and to ask him a favor. She is in politics, and tells him that she will ask the question later. She instead changes the conversation, asking for a tour of his beautiful home and dropping the name Baron Arnheim into the conversation. At the mention of this name, Sir Robert starts and asks if she knew the later Baron. She says yes she knew him well and wants to know if Sir Robert knew him. Sir Robert did, and agreed that he was a remarkable man.

Lord Goring enters the room. He is a young dandy who does not like to be taken seriously and enjoys witty conversation. Sir Robert Chiltern introduces Lord Goring to Mrs. Cheveley as "the idlest man in London". Mrs. Cheveley says she doesn't need an introduction because they have met before. Lord Goring is surprised that she remembered him, and she tells him that her memory is flawless. She then, somewhat mockingly, asks Lord Goring if he is still a bachelor. He is, and she sarcastically pins it as romantic.

Mrs. Cheveley leaves with Sir Robert and Lord Goring walks over to Mabel Chiltern. Mabel playfully accuses him of being late, and they engage in witty, lighthearted conversation about Lord Goring many bad qualities and how Mabel would not get rid of any of them. Lord Goring asks Mabel who invited Mrs. Cheveley, and Mabel tells him it was Lady Markby. Mabel then remarks that she doesn't like Mrs. Cheveley, and Lord Goring tells her she has good taste.

Vicomte joins the conversation here, misunderstanding the "good taste" comment. Lord Goring insults him, saying he needs to read between the lines. The Vicomte asks Mabel to accompany him to the music room, and Mabel is disappointed. She agrees anyway, however, and asks Lord Goring if he is coming, as well. When he answers no, Mabel walks away resigned.

Lord Caversham comes up to his son, complaining that parties such as this are a waste of time and that everyone talks about nothing. Goring claims to like talking about nothing, and Lord Caversham gets on to him about his wasteful life as a dandy, going to parties and living only for pleasure. Lord Goring tells his father that he cannot imagine another way to live.

Lady Basildon comes up, and Mrs. Marchmont following and is surprised to see Lord Goring at a political party. The conversation turns from politics to husbands, and Lady Basildon and Mrs. Marchmont both complain that they have married perfect husbands and are miserable for it. While their husbands are happy and trusting, their wives complain that they are bored. Lord Goring brings up Mrs. Cheveley, saying that she is a handsome woman. Lady Basildon and Mrs. Marchmont both get onto him, as they don't like her.

Mabel comes back from the music room and joins the conversation. She complains that everyone is doing nothing but talking about Mrs. Cheveley and asks Lord Goring to escort her to dinner. When they walk away, Mabel gets on to Goring for not following her to the music room.

Mrs. Marchmont and Lady Basildon decide that they want dinner, as well. The Vicomte De Nanjac asks to take Lady Basildon to supper. She replies that she won't eat, but she will be happy to accompany him. Mr. Montford, another dandy, offers to take Mrs. Marchmont. Mrs. Marchmont refuses to eat but says she will watch him eat.

When everyone else is gone to supper, Sir Robert Chiltern and Mrs. Cheveley sit down to talk on the couches. Sir Robert wants to know how long Mrs. Cheveley is planning on staying in England, and Mrs. Cheveley tells him that it depends on his actions. Confused, Mrs. Cheveley begins explaining.

She is involved in the Argentine Canal Project and has invested heavily in it on advice from Baron Arnheim, the man mentioned before. Sir Robert tells her that the Argentine Canal Project is a scam and he is going tomorrow to submit papers to the council revealing it as such. Mrs. Cheveley offers to pay Sir Robert if he inserts positive information into the report, to allow the canal to be built. He is indignant about this and asks her to leave.

Before she goes, she tells Sir Robert that she knows he got his wealth and successful career by selling Cabinet secrets to the Stock Exchange. She has a letter from Baron Arnheim proving it. Sir Robert claims the letter is just speculation, but he is nervous. He tells her that he will not do what she asks, to give false information to the council, but she threatens to expose him and create a scandal. She admits that she is currently his enemy, but also acknowledges that she has the upper hand in the situation because she is attacking, and he defending. She tells him that people always pay for their wrongs, so he has to do what she asks.

Once again, Sir Robert tells her that it is impossible. In response, Mrs. Cheveley makes a move to leave, imagining out loud how eager the local news junkies would be to receive such a big scoop. Robert tells her to wait and asks for the terms, to stop the report and give a short speech on the economic possibilities of the canal. Mrs. Cheveley says those are the correct terms and waits for him to respond. He offers to pay her any sum of money instead of lying to the council, but she refuses.

She tells Robert that she will be waiting at the Ladies Gallery with the letter in hand tomorrow night. If, by that time, he has gone through with her terms, she will give the letter to him so that no trace of his past dishonesty remains in the world. He must decide tonight, and go through with the deed tomorrow if he wants to receive the letter. Robert, beaten, agrees to her arrangement. She asks him to call her carriage, and he leaves to do so.

When Sir Robert is gone, the guests reenter. Lady Markby comments to Mrs. Cheveley about how noble and entertaining Sir Robert is. She invites Mrs. Cheveley to ride in the Park with her tomorrow before leaving. Lady Chiltern comes up to Mrs. Cheveley next, wanting to know what business she had with her husband. Mrs. Cheveley tells her that she came to discuss the Argentine Canal Project, to which Lady Chiltern replies that her husband would never agree to invest in such an obvious fraud. Mrs. Cheveley tells her that she is mistaken and that the deal is already settled. She also states that, until tomorrow night, the terms are a secret between Sir Robert and herself.

Sir Robert comes back in with the announcement that Mrs. Cheveley's carriage is waiting. He escorts her out of the room, and Lady Chiltern watches from the top of the staircase, deeply troubled.

In the other reception room, Mabel is expressing her bad opinion of Mrs. Cheveley. She sits down on the couch to talk to Lord Goring and sees something shiny in the cracks. When she pulls it out, it is a beautiful diamond brooch. Lord Goring, taking close notice, states that it could be a bracelet and asks to see it. When Mabel gives it to him, he puts it in his breast pocket. Mabel looks at him, and he asks to make a strange request. Eagerly, Mabel responds that she has been waiting for just that. Slightly taken aback, he asks her to keep his possession of the brooch a secret and to let him know if anyone inquires about it. When she asks why, he tells her that he gave the brooch to someone a long time ago.

Lady Chiltern comes back alone, as the other guests have all gone home. Mabel excuses herself, and Lord Goring is left. He and Lady Chiltern, who both knew Mrs. Cheveley in the past and don't seem to like her, wonder why she came to London. They express misfortune at her appearance, and wonder what she is up to with regards to Sir Robert Chiltern. Lady Chiltern is sure that her husband would never have invested in the canal project, and thinks Mrs. Cheveley is stupid.

Lord Goring leaves, and Robert returns from escorting Mrs. Cheveley out. Lady Chiltern asks him if it is true that he is aiding the canal project, and Sir Robert, startled, asks her who told her. Lady Chiltern replies that Mrs. Cheveley told her, and goes on to say that she knows from her years spend with Mrs. Cheveley in school that she is evil and a thief. Sir Robert hints that maybe she has changed, and his Lady tells him that a person's past is their person. She senses that he is not telling her the whole truth about the incident, and wants to know why Robert is keeping things from her.

Sitting down, he explains that politics and truth are complicated matters, and can vary based on multiple circumstances. He tells his Lady that he had to compromise with Mrs. Cheveley on his stance regarding the canal. Lady Chiltern is upset and states that he is a man known for his honor, unsullied by the ways of the world, and that it is never necessary to compromise one's principles. She realizes that there are some men who have horrible secrets in her past and must do terrible things to keep them in the dark. She hopes her husband isn't one of these men and asks him for the truth so she can know whether or not to stay with him.

Sir Robert tells her that she knows everything there is to know about his past and agrees, with prompting, to write a letter to Mrs. Cheveley that night stating his intention to be honest and submit the report. After Lady Chiltern is satisfied with the letter, she gives it to Mason with order to take it to Mrs. Cheveley's hotel. Mason leaves, and Lady Chiltern is grateful to her husband for doing the right thing. She leaves, and a servant begins putting out the lights.

Second Act

The morning room at Sir Robert Chiltern's house.

Lord Goring is pacing the room, distressed. When Robert walks in Lord Goring tells him that he shouldn't have kept his secret of his success from her. Robert reveals to Lord Goring that if he would have told the Lady Chiltern his secret last night she would have left him for good. Goring, not having realized Robert's predicament, apologizes and offers to talk to Lady Chiltern for him to smooth things over. Robert is convinced that talking to her would not do any good, and would be too risky.

Robert is ashamed at what he did in his past, yet excuses himself somewhat by saying that others have done far worse in their pursuit of wealth and that he didn't hurt anybody. Lord Goring is quiet for a moment, and tells him that he has hurt himself. The inevitable conclusion to such an act was always a scandal. It does not matter that Robert was only twenty-two at the time of its occurrence or that his morals are otherwise perfectly sound.

Lord Goring asks Robert how he came to give up such valuable information in the first place, and Robert tells him. One night, fresh out of school, well-bred but poor, he had a late-night conversation with Baron Arnheim. The Baron, an extremely wealthy man, revealed to Robert his philosophy on life, which is, wealth is power. According to the Baron, the luxury wealth allows one to experience is nothing in comparison to the power wielded over men and offices. He then asked Robert to let him know if he came across any valuable information at his job. Robert, highly ambitious at the time, came across some state papers six weeks later and sold them to the Baron for a small fortune.

Lord Goring interrupts Robert to say that the Baron Arnheim's philosophy seems shallow and that Robert's action showed a weakness on his part. Robert defends himself by replying that, to some extent, the Baron's philosophy on life is true, as Robert's now-immense wealth has afforded him enormous power. He also says that taking the sort of risk that he did had courage in it, since he could have lost everything he had worked for in one move.

Robert continues his story. In five years time, he had tripled his worth. He tells Lord Goring that he does not regret his action, as the action of gaining wealth is equivalent to a war, and he simply used a weapon that was given to him to get started. Since then, he has donated many times that to public charities.

Lord Goring is thoughtful after hearing Robert's story. He mulls over what to do, ruling out confession, as it would ruin Robert's good reputation, and deciding that the only way out is to fight. That fight would start, Goring insists, by telling Lady Chiltern. Robert, however, shoots that down and instead sends a letter of inquiry to Mrs. Cheveley's home country in order to find some scandalous bit of information about her to counter her attack. He rings the bell and gives Mason the letter, and they hear his wife's footsteps in the hall.

Lady Chiltern walks in and greets the two men. She says that she wants to talk to Lord Goring about some business after she goes to take off her bonnet. Lord Goring, being witty, says he would rather talk about her bonnet. She leaves the room, promising to come back in a few minutes.

Robert and Lord Goring continue their conversation. Robert tells Goring that he has been a good friend. Confused, Goring replies that he has not done Robert anything of worth thus far. To this, Robert says he has allowed him to get the truth off his chest, and that is a powerful relief. Lord Goring tells Robert that he is going to the Bachelor's Ball tonight if Robert needs to get ahold of him for any reason.

Robert gets up to leave, and just as he does his wife walks in the room. She asks him if he must go. He tells her that he has some letters to write, and she replies that he works too much. After Robert is out of the room, Lady Chiltern sits down, and Lord Goring sits down with her. Lord Goring assumes that she wants to talk about not bonnets or business but Mrs. Cheveley. He assumes right, and the Lady Chiltern goes over the situation again to Lord Goring, including the part about her making Robert write the letter.

Lord Goring is quiet through her explanation, and Lady Chiltern, picking up on this, asks him if Robert has anything to hide. Goring tries to talk delicately, saying that in practical life some things happen. Lady Chiltern upholds her stance of her husband as never committing wrong, and Goring tells her that in ambition and success there must be certain allowances for behavior. He is trying to soften Lady Chiltern up to tell her the truth, or at least hint at it, and when she protests he tells her that her morals are too severe.

Lord Goring presents a hypothetical situation of a young man writing a foolish letter that might compromise his position. Lady Chiltern protests that her husband would not do something foolish, and Goring tells her that everyone is capable of committing foolish acts. She calls him a pessimist, and he, passionate, tells her that he is not pessimistic and that he believes love to be the explanation for life. At the end of his speech, he offers to help her if she ever needs it. Lady Chiltern is surprised because she has never heard him talk seriously before.

Mabel Chiltern enters in a beautiful, elaborate dress. She inserts into the conversation, saying that seriousness doesn't suit Lord Goring at all. Goring greets her and then apologizes, saying he must leave. Mabel accuses him of having poor manners and reminds him that they are supposed to go riding tomorrow at eleven. Lord Goring, turning to Lady Chiltern, asks for her guest list, saying it was not in the papers. Lady Chiltern tells him that Tommy Trafford, Robert's secretary, can provide it. Thanking her, Lord Goring reminds her to remember their conversation before leaving.

Mabel, disappointed that Lord Goring is gone, begins talking to Lady Chiltern. She complains that Robert needs to get rid of Tommy Trafford because he won't stop proposing to her. While she is fond of him, she says his methods of proposing are totally unromantic. Lady Chiltern, trying to cheer her up, states that Tommy is a brilliant man with a bright future and says that she might take his proposals seriously. Mabel replies that she can't stand men with futures or geniuses and that she is going to visit Lady Basildon at her house. She leaves the room and comes back hurriedly, asking if Lady Chiltern had invited Mrs. Cheveley. Lady Chiltern is surprised as Mabel reveals that she and Mrs. Markby are coming up the stairs.

Just then, Mason walks in the room announcing both Mrs. Markby and Mrs. Cheveley. Lady Chiltern greets Mrs. Markby affectionately, and once again bows coldly to Mrs. Cheveley. Mrs. Cheveley says she has not yet met Mabel, though she saw her last night. She also throws out a thinly veiled insult, stating that the dress Mabel wore previously was simpler and more fitting. Mabel ignores the slight and announces that she is leaving. When the two guests press her to stay, she reveals that it is an obligation to charity. She is working with Lord Goring and Tommy Trafford. Mrs. Markby tells her that, while charity work is essential, being pretty is the most crucial thing for a modern woman. Mabel politely excuses herself.

When Mabel is gone, Lady Markby asks Lady Chiltern if a diamond brooch was found after the party last night. The brooch belongs to Mrs. Cheveley, and she is searching desperately for it. Lady Chiltern does not know if a brooch was found, and summons Mason to double-check. She gives a description of the brooch, a diamond snake with a large ruby. He does not know of a brooch that was found either, and Mrs. Cheveley says she must have lost it at the Opera before dinner. Lady Chiltern sends Mason out to fetch tea.

While Mason it out, Mrs. Markby begins making small talk. She expresses several opinions with obviously irk Lady Chiltern. One of them is about she doesn't support the Higher Education of Women, and Lady Chiltern tells her that both she and her husband are involved in the project. She also complains about her husband, and about how he is so involved in politics. Mrs. Markby hates to listen to him rant, and Lady Chiltern tells her that she herself is involved in the political sphere and enjoys discussing things with her husband. Markby, going on, oblivious, complains that her husband, John, is obsessed with reading the Blue Books. Mrs. Cheveley remarks slyly that she would rather read books with yellow colors.

Mason comes back in with the tea and serves Mrs. Cheveley. Mrs. Markby refuses any tea, since she must make another visit to Lady Brancaster, whose husband has died recently. She invites Mrs. Cheveley to come with her and wait in the carriage, but Lady Chiltern insists that Mrs. Cheveley stays as they have something to discuss. She doesn't plan on seeing Mrs. Markby that night, as she and Robert are dining at home.

She tells Mason to see Mrs. Markby out, and turns on Mrs. Cheveley. She tells Mrs. Cheveley that if she had known who she was last night she never would have invited her to the party. She goes on to accuse Mrs. Cheveley of being dishonorable and gives a speech about how, when a person is dishonorable once, it is certain that they will be again. Mrs. Cheveley asks if Lady Chiltern would apply that policy to everyone, and Lady Chiltern says yes.

Mrs. Cheveley says that she is sorry and that she wishes to talk morality with Lady Chiltern. During the argument, Lady Chiltern reveals that she was the one who made Robert write the letter calling off the arrangement. Mrs. Cheveley grows angry and tells her that she must make him change his mind on the matter. Lady Chiltern asks her how she knows her husband well enough to make outrageous demands, and Mrs. Cheveley replies that she knows him because they are alike. They are both dishonest people. When Lady Chiltern, fed up with the argument, orders Mrs. Cheveley to leave, Mrs. Cheveley tells her that her husband made his fortune by selling state intelligence.

Robert, entering, hears the last of Mrs. Cheveley's accusations and turns pale. Mrs. Cheveley, seeing him, asks him to deny it. When he doesn't deny the allegations, Lady Chiltern becomes upset. She rings the bell to summon Mason and asks him to show Mrs. Cheveley out, and to never let her come in again. She leaves.

After she is gone, Lady Chiltern turns to Robert. She wants to know if it is true. He says that it is and begins his explanation, but she cuts him off, saying he is worse than a common thief. Robert rushes towards her, trying to comfort her, but she pushes him back. He then gets angry. He tells her that it is her fault he had to keep things from her because she expected him to be perfect. She worshipped him and put him on a pedestal that no person could live up to. He goes on to say that men accept women's imperfections and love them and that women should do the same for men. He accuses her of making a false idol out of him and by ruining his life when he had a chance to redeem his shameful past forever. Now, the only thing left for him is to lose everything he has worked for and live life with a dishonorable reputation. Robert leaves the room, and Lady Chiltern rushes to the door after him. When she reaches it, however, it has already closed. She lies down on the sofa and begins to sob.

Third Act

The library in Lord Goring's house.

Phipps, the butler, is arranging the room. Lord Goring enters, well-dressed, and asks Phipps to help him with his button-hole. Lord Goring philosophizes about life while Phipps agrees with him in a formal, polite manner. Goring notices that there are some new letters on the table, and recognizes Lady Chiltern's handwriting on one of them. He opens it and reads "I trust you. I want you. I am coming to see you". Lord Goring immediately realizes that Lady Chiltern has somehow found out about her husband's scandal. Although he had plans for dinner, he decides not to go, and to wait up for Lady Chiltern instead.

Just then, Phipps enters, announcing Lord Caversham. Lord Goring's father enters, taking off his cloak and settling in a comfortable chair. He tells Goring that he has come to have a serious conversation. Lord Goring replies that tonight is not a good night, as he can only be serious on Tuesdays. Lord Caversham is frustrated and continues with his main point. He wants his son to be married, as he is thirty-four and still a bachelor. He says that being a bachelor is unfashionable now and tells Goring to look at Robert Chiltern and take him as a role-model. He married a well-bred woman and has never been better off.

Goring tells him that he will take Robert as a model, and that he is more than willing to have a conversation about marriage, but for now Lord Caversham must leave. The old gentleman refuses and complains of a draft in the library. Lord Goring tells him that they can move to the smoking-room, where there is a fire going. Lord Caversham goes out, grumbling.

Lord Goring goes to Phipps, telling him that he is expecting a lady to come over. When she arrives, he is to put her in the drawing room and let no one else in the house. He tells Phipps that it is a matter of utmost importance. The bell rings, and Goring says he will get it himself. Before he reaches the door, however, Lord Caversham comes back out of the smoking room, wondering what is taking him so long. Lord Goring goes with his father.

Harold, the footman, brings Mrs. Cheveley in. When she asks about Lord Goring, Phipps tells her that he is presently engaged in a conversation with his father but that she can wait in the drawing room until he is done. Mrs. Caversham is surprised that Lord Goring was "expecting" her, and immediately concluded that he must be having an affair with another woman.

Looking in the drawing room, she complains that there is not enough light, and sends Phipps to get some more candles. When the butler is gone, she notices the letter on Lord Goring's desk. She recognizes Lady Chiltern's handwriting and reads the note. Her face becomes triumphant, and she moves to put the letter in her bag. Before she can, Phipps comes back in with the candles, and she hides the letter.

When Mrs. Cheveley is in the drawing room, Phipps retires. The drawing room door opens slowly, and Mrs. Cheveley emerges, creeping toward the table where the letter is. She hears voices and stops. The voices get louder, and she goes back into the drawing room.

Lord Goring and Lord Caversham enter, continuing their conversation about marriage. Lord Goring wants to know if he will at least be able to pick his future bride, and Lord Caversham says no. He thinks his son will pick someone who he loves, which will be a disaster. He believes a happy marriage will end with affection, which is what Lord Goring believes couples say they have when they no longer like each other. Lord Caversham plans on using common sense, rather than love, to pick at mate for Lord Goring. Goring shows his father out the door.

When he comes back in, Sir Robert Chiltern is with him. Robert says he is lucky he saw him on the doorstep because Phipps told him the Goring wasn't home. Lord Goring tries to excuse himself by saying that he is busy, but Robert won't leave. He tells Goring that his wife has discovered his secret and that his life is ruined. When Lord Goring asks what happened, Robert tells him that Mrs. Cheveley herself told Lady Chiltern. After telling the story, he buries his face in his hands.

Lord Goring tries to think of things to do and asks if he has received any reply from his letter about Mrs. Cheveley yet. A letter came back, but Mrs. Cheveley is a member of high society with no scandals about her. The Baron Arnheim left her most of his sizeable fortune. Losing hope, Goring offers Robert a drink. When Phipps comes in with the order, Lord Goring tells him when the lady comes to call to send her away. Phipps reveals that "she" is already in the room. Knowing the situation has become a mess, Lord Goring decides to try and get Robert to leave.

Going back to Robert, Goring listens to him talk. He is in despair because he loves his wife and doesn't have anybody else. They did not have any children. Lord Goring asks him if he loves his wife, and Robert says he does. He used to believe ambition the greatest thing to have in life, but now he believes it is love. He tells Goring he was brutal to his Lady earlier today, and Goring says she must forgive him despite his wrongs.

Lord Goring, delicately changing the subject, asks Robert if his carriage is here, and says he needs him to leave for a while. Robert says he needs to stay because he still doesn't know what to do and the debate about the Argentine Canal is at eleven o'clock. As he says this, he hears something fall in the drawing room. Lord Goring tries to tell him that it was nothing, but Robert believes someone has been eavesdropping. He sees the door is ajar and the light open, but Goring swears on his honor that no one is there. When Robert insists on opening the door to the room, Lord Goring forbids it. Robert wants to know what he has to hide, and Goring admits there is someone in the room who Robert must not see. Robert goes in the room anyway and comes back out angry.

Lord Goring, thinking Robert has seen his wife, tries to explain. He tells Robert that she is guiltless of any crime and is here because she loves him. Robert calls him mad and tells Goring she will make a choice mistress for him because they are so well-suited for each other. Before Lord Goring can say anything else, Robert leaves.

When he opens the drawing room door, Mrs. Cheveley walks out looking amused. Lord Goring asks her what she was doing, and she tells him she was listening through the door. He takes off her cloak and offers her a cigarette, which she refuses. He guesses that she is here to sell him Robert's letter of condemnation and wants to know the price. Mrs. Cheveley tells Goring that she has plenty of money and that she wants something else.

She tells him she wants to move back to London and live a more simple life. If Lord Goring agrees to marry her, she will give him the letter tomorrow. Lord Goring replies that he would make a bad husband, and she replies that she loves bad husbands. Seeing that he is not inclined to accept her offer, she tells him that if he does not she will reveal Robert's scandal and ruin his life. She knows his true character and says he will be getting the punishment he deserves.

Lord Goring defends his friend, telling her that Robert's act was done when he was young and foolish, and not his true character. He gets on to her, saying that, while she claimed to come to him for love, earlier that day she desecrated love by deliberately telling Lady Chiltern about Robert, turning the happy couple against each other. This is something Lord Goring says he cannot forgive.

Mrs. Cheveley defends herself, saying that it is not her fault. She went to the Chiltern house to look for her brooch, which she lost. Lord Goring asks her if it is a diamond snake with a ruby, and, surprised, Mrs. Cheveley answers yes. Lord Goring goes over to a drawer and pulls the brooch out, saying that he found it but forgot to tell the butler. Mrs. Cheveley expresses her thanks, saying the brooch is crucial to her because it was a gift. She asks Lord Goring to pin it on her, and Lord Goring instead uses it as a bracelet. Mrs. Cheveley is surprised again and asks how he knew it could be worn in such a fashion. Lord Goring reveals that the brooch was a present from him to Lady Berkshire, ten years ago on her wedding day.

Mrs. Cheveley goes pale. Lord Goring goes on to accuse her of stealing it, and Mrs. Cheveley tries to take it off. When she cannot find the clasp she panics and begins calling Lord Goring names. He says he is going to call his servant, and that the police will be there shortly to arrest Mrs. Cheveley of thievery. The next day he is sure the Berkshires will try her, unless Mrs. Cheveley gives him the letter condemning Robert Chiltern. After some excuses, she hands the letter over, and Lord Goring burns it in the fire.

While the original letter is burning, Mrs. Cheveley sees the corner of the second letter, the one from Lady Chiltern, sticking out from its hiding place. Asking Lord Goring for a glass of water, she grabs the letter while his back is turned. When he tries to give her the water, she asks instead for her cloak and carriage. She tells Goring that she no longer intends to harm Robert, but instead do him a service and show him Lady Chiltern's love letter. Confused, Lord Goring asks what she means, and Mrs. Cheveley pulls out the letter written earlier that day. Goring swears to get the letter back, by force if he has to, but before he can do anything Mrs. Cheveley rings the bells. Phipps comes in, and Mrs. Cheveley asks him to escort her out. Looking back at Lord Goring, her expression is triumphant.

Fourth Act

Morning room at Sir Robert Chiltern's house.

Lord Goring is standing before the fireplace, checking his watch and looking bored. He rings the bells and the servant comes in. Lord Goring asks if anyone is available, but the servant says that Robert is still at the office, and Miss Chiltern has just gotten back from riding, but is still in her room. However, Lord Caversham is in the library waiting for Robert. Lord Goring tells the servant not to tell his father he is here, since he doesn't want to see the man three days in a row.

He sits down to read the paper when Lord Caversham walks in. He wants to know if his son has thought about their conversation at all, and Lord Goring replies that he has. He hopes to be engaged before lunchtime. Lord Caversham asks Lord Goring if he has read The Times this morning, and Lord Goring has not. There is an article in the paper about Robert Chiltern's political career. Lord Goring worries until his father goes on to say that it was a positive article regarding how he denounced the Argentine Canal project as a scam at that night's meeting. Lord Goring is delighted at the news, and Lord Caversham turns the subject back to marriage. He asks if Goring is planning on proposing to Miss Chiltern, and Lord Goring answers that Mabel would be too good for him.

Just as they are speaking about her, Mabel enters the room. She greets Lord Caversham, inquiring about the health of his wife. Lord Goring greets her, but she ignores him and continues talking to his father. Clearing his throat, Lord Goring tries again. This time Mabel looks up in mock surprise and asks what he wants. Since he didn't keep his riding appointment with her she doesn't plan on speaking to him again. She asks Lord Caversham if he can teach his son any manners, but Lord Caversham says it is useless. He glares at Lord Goring and goes out.

Mabel begins arranging the flowers in the room, and complains about Lord Goring missing the ride. He says he is sorry, but he looks pleased. When Mabel asks why, he tells her he has something important to say. She asks if it is a proposal and Goring, startled, says yes. Mabel then exclaims that this will be her second proposal today, and Goring is mad that someone proposed before him. She says that Tommy Trafford proposed again, but she didn't accept him. Lord Goring is glad, and expresses his love for Mabel. He wants to know if she loves him in return, and she, laughing, says she has adored him for months.

They kiss and enjoy a blissful moment together. Lord Goring tells Mabel that he is not good enough for her, and that he is over thirty as well as ridiculously extravagant. Mabel tells him that she never wanted someone who was good enough for her, that he looks a few weeks shy of thirty, and that she is extravagant as well.

Lady Chiltern comes in, and Mabel tells Lord Goring that she is going to the conservatory and will wait for him under the second palm tree. She blows a kiss to him on the way out of the room. Lord Goring sits on the sofa with Lady Chiltern, and tells her that there is good news. The letter against Robert has been burned, but Mrs. Caversham stole the letter which Lady Chiltern wrote him and plans to use it against her. Lady Chiltern is first happy, then alarmed. She cannot believe that someone would infer an affair from the contents of the letter, and asks Goring to tell the whole story.

When Goring is done, he advises Lady Chiltern to go to Robert and tell him everything at once. Lady Chiltern immediately looks terrified and says that is impossible, as it would be improper for Lord Goring to have been expecting Lady Chiltern at such a later hour. Lord Goring tells her it would be wrong not to tell him, but Lady Chiltern continues freaking out. Lord Goring tells her to calm down, and asks what other options they have. Lady Chiltern thinks the only solution is to intercept the letter before it gets to Robert. Robert's secretary that day is Mr. Montford, and Lord Goring wants to make sure Lady Chiltern trusts him before they go to intercept the letter. She says she does, and Lord Goring is planning on visiting Mr. Montford immediately.

Before he can leave, however, they hear Robert Chiltern coming up the stairs. He has the letter in his hands and rushes to Lady Chiltern, not even noticing Lord Goring. Robert asks her if the letter is true, if she really wants and trusts him. Robert has misunderstood the letter, thinking it was meant for him instead of someone else. Lord Goring makes a sign to Lady Chiltern, telling her to go along with his misunderstanding.

Lord Goring, still unnoticed by Robert, slips out of the room and heads towards the conservatory. Robert and Lady Chiltern continue their conversation and Lady Chiltern tells Robert the latest news, that the offending letter from his past has been destroyed. Robert is shocked and pleased, and wants to know how it happened. Lady Chiltern tells him that it was Lord Goring who conned Mrs. Cheveley out of the letter and, once it was safely in his possession, burned it. Robert is glad, but also wishes that he could have seen it burning with his own eyes because it would have been satisfying.

Robert then asks his wife what they should do now that the whole debacle is over with. He suggests retiring public life and moving out to the country. Lady Chiltern agrees, and tells him that would make her immensely happy. He seems a little hurt, since Lady Chiltern was once his strongest ally for his political ambition, and supported what he was trying to do in office. Lady Chiltern tells him that they should disregard ambition, as it only brought them trouble. The letter was a prime example of that, and she suggests they learn from their mistakes and lead a more simple life. Robert seems sad, but pleased that Lady Chiltern is happy.

As they wrap up their conversation, Lord Goring comes back in from the conservatory looking pleased with himself. Robert goes to him, shaking his hand and thanking him. He tells Lord Goring that he doesn't know how to repay him for destroying the letter.

Lord Goring is about to speak when Mason enters, announcing Lord Caversham. Lord Caversham congratulates Robert before telling him that his speech on the Argentine Canal has earned him a seat on the Cabinet. Robert is astonished, and Lord Caversham gives him the letter of recommendation from the Prime Minister. Joyous, Robert is about to accept the position when he glances at his wife and sees her pleading look. He then hands the letter back and tells Lord Caversham that he plans to decline the position and leave society for the country.

Lord Caversham is flabbergasted, and pleads with Lady Chiltern to change his mind, as she is a "sensible" woman. When Lady Chiltern not only supports Robert's decision but expresses admiration for it, Lord Caversham declares them all mad. Lady Chiltern ignores Lord Caversham and turns to Robert, telling him that he must write his response to the Prime Minister immediately. Robert tells her he will go write it, but says it with a touch of bitterness. Lady Chiltern accompanies him out.

Lord Caversham tells his son that the Chiltern's are being idiotic, but Lord Goring tells him that they are exhibiting a high moral character. He tells his father that there is someone who he needs to see in the conservatory, and to go there. Lord Caversham leaves the room, and Lady Chiltern enters.

Lord Goring asks Lady Chiltern why she is playing right into Mrs. Cheveley's hand. By asking Robert to give up his public life and retire to the country, isn't Lady Chiltern accomplishing what Mrs. Cheveley started? Lord Goring continues on to say that Lady Chiltern asks for his help and advice, and that she must listen to him now. He tells her not to take away all that Robert has worked his whole life for because, even if they move out of the public sphere for love, that sacrifice will eventually poison their relationship. He acknowledges that Robert would do anything to keep Lady Chiltern by his side, including sacrificing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but she should not let him.

Robert enters the room with the first draft of his letter for Lady Chiltern to go over. He hands the paper to her, and she reads it. Then, she tears it up. Robert is surprised, but Lady Chiltern says that after talking with Lord Goring she realized she didn't want Robert to sacrifice everything he'd worked for. Once again, Robert expresses thanks to his best friend for clearing up his seemingly impossible problems.

Lord Goring tells Robert that if he genuinely wants to repay him, then he will consent to Lord Goring marrying his sister, Mabel. Lady Chiltern is overjoyed, and begins congratulating Lord Goring. Robert, however, is angry. He tells Lord Goring that he won't sacrifice Mabel to someone who doesn't love her. Lord Goring assures Robert of his love for Mabel, and wants to know the reason for not giving consent to the marriage. Robert, still under the mistaken conclusion that Lord Goring and Mrs. Cheveley are having an affair, tells Lord Goring that he cannot possibly love both. Lord Goring accepts this reasoning, still keeping Lady Chiltern's secret from Robert.

Lady Chiltern, to save the situation, reveals what actually happened that night. When Robert learns that Lord Goring did not know Mrs. Cheveley was in his drawing room that night, Robert forgives him and happily gives his consent for Lord Goring to marry Mabel.

Mabel enters the room with Lord Caversham. Lord Goring goes to her and kisses her passionately. Lord Caversham is shocked, and immediately understands that Lord Goring has proposed, and Mabel accepted. Robert also tells Lord Caversham that he has changed his mind, and will accept the Cabinet seat. Lord Caversham is glad, and says that they have some sense after all.

Mason enters and announces to the group that lunch is ready to be served. They talk for a few minutes more, and Lord Caversham tells Lord Goring that he needs to make Mabel the ideal husband. Mabel says she doesn't need Lord Goring to be the ideal husband, because that would be boring. But she wants to be an ideal wife for him. Lord Caversham says that they will have an illustrious future together and make each other happy.

Everyone leaves the room except for Robert. He sits alone, lost in thought. Lady Chiltern comes back in to check on him, and asks if anything is the matter. Robert wants to know if Lady Chiltern stayed with him out of love or pity. Lady Chiltern assures him that she stayed out of love.