Act 3, Part 1 Summary

This scene is set in the library of Lord Goring's home. Goring prepares to go out for the evening, making witty comments to his impassive valet about the nature of fashion and society, as he struggles to decide which flower to wear in his buttonhole. He tells the valet to call him a taxi and looks at his mail. He notices a letter from Lady Chiltern, opens it, and reads it - "I want you. I trust you. I am coming to you." Goring understands this to mean that she has been told everything. He decides that the thing to do is to convince her to stand by her husband. He tells his valet, who has just come back in, that he is not receiving any visitors, except Lady Chiltern. The valet tells him that Caversham has arrived. After complaining to...