NO IMPORTANCE
ACT 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
