That is Victoria's foible.

COLONEL [_gallantly_].

I can admit no foible in a lady.

ENID.

At any rate, we are agreed on the main point--the equality of the s.e.xes.

COLONEL.

That, alas, is impossible.

VOICE.

Impossible?

COLONEL.

Whilst Woman persists in remaining perfect.

VICTORIA.

Cannot Man emulate her?

COLONEL.

I am afraid his strength is only equal to the confession of his unworthiness.

ENID.

You would confess that? Then you agree with me, that a woman is ent.i.tled to know the whole of a man's past?

LADY WARGRAVE [_who has joined them_].

Would it not be more useful if she knew something of his future?

ENID.

Women have futures; men have only pasts.

DOCTOR [_still in SYLVESTER'S group_].

It stands to reason--pure reason--there ought not to be one law for women and another for men.

SYLVESTER.

You mean, that they ought both to be for women?

DOCTOR.

I mean, that the inst.i.tution of marriage is in urgent need of reconsideration.

SYLVESTER.

The sooner, the better.

DOCTOR.

I am glad you think so.

SYLVESTER.

When the inst.i.tution of marriage is reconsidered, man will have another chance.

[_Exit, R._

LADY WARGRAVE [_who has joined PERCY'S group_].

What do I think of the New Woman? There is no New Woman; she is as old as Moliere.

[_Stands listening, amused._

CHORUS.

Moliere!

VICTORIA.

A pagan!

PERCY.

A frank pagan. For pure art we must go to Athens.

CHORUS.

Athens!

PERCY.

Or the Music Halls. Have you seen Trixy Blinko?

CHORUS.

Trixy--oh, charming--sweet!

PERCY.