On the 12th the Session would begin, and he would once more take his seat in Parliament.
"I give you my word and honour, Lady Chiltern," Gerard Maule said to his hostess, "I believe that oaf of a man is making up to Adelaide." Mr.Maule had not been reticent about his love towards Lady Chiltern, and came to her habitually in all his troubles.
"Chiltern has told me the same thing." "No!" "Why shouldn't he see it, as well as you?
But I wouldn't believe it." "Upon my word I believe it's true.

But, Lady Chiltern--" "Well, Mr.Maule." "You know her so well." "Adelaide, you mean ?" "You understand her thoroughly.

There can't be anything in it; is there ?" "How anything ?" "She can't really--like him ?" "Mr.Maule, if I were to tell her that you had asked such a question as that I don't believe that she'd ever speak a word to you again; and it would serve you right.

Didn't you call him an oaf ?" "I did." "And how long has she known him?
"I don't believe she ever spoke to him before yesterday." "And yet you think that she will be ready to accept this oaf as her husband to-morrow! Do you call that respect ?" "Girls do such wonderful strange things.

What an impudent ass he must be!" "I don't see that at all.