LORD WINDERMERE. [Turning round on her.] Therefore I have a right to look upon you as what you are - a worthless, vicious woman. I have the right to tell you never to enter this house, never to attempt to come near my wife -

MRS. ERLYNNE. [Coldly.] My daughter, you mean.

LORD WINDERMERE. You have no right to claim her as your daughter. You left her, abandoned her when she was but a child in the cradle, abandoned her for your lover, who abandoned you in turn.

MRS. ERLYNNE. [Rising.] Do you count that to his credit, Lord Windermere - or to mine?

LORD WINDERMERE. To his, now that I know you.

MRS. ERLYNNE. Take care - you had better be careful.

LORD WINDERMERE. Oh, I am not going to mince words for you. I know you thoroughly.

MRS. ERLYNNE. [Looks steadily at him.] I question that.