Act 4, Part 2 Summary

Sir Robert tells Lady Chiltern that once he read her letter, he felt so grateful for her love that he felt he could face any difficulty. That's why he made the speech he did. Lady Chiltern tells him that the letter has been destroyed. After rejoicing at his freedom, Sir Robert wonders whether, even though all proof of his youthful indiscretion has disappeared, he should still resign from public life. Lady Chiltern says he should, assuring him they'd have no regrets. He reminds her of her ambitions for him, but she says it was ambition that led him astray when he was younger, and she doesn't value it any more.

Goring comes in. Sir Robert thanks him for his help, and asks whether there's anything he can do to repay him. Goring seems about to suggest something, but is interrupted by...