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The sensational and indiscreet Mrs. Erlynne returns to London and sends for Lord Windermere.  She reveals that she is really his wife's mother, long thought dead by Lady Windermere, and demands payment for her secrecy.  She also asks for an invitation to his wife's birthday party.  Windermere fails to persuade his wife to send the invitation, but Mrs. Erlynne mistakes the letter of refusal for the invitation.

Her arrival at the party arouses the jealousy of Lady Windermere, who goes off to the apartment of Lord Darlington, an admirer.  Mrs. Erlynne follows to persuade her daughter to return to her husband before it is too late.  Darlington, Windermere, and some other men show up and find Lady Windermere's fan.  Mrs. Erlynne comes out, and in front of her admirer, Lord Augustus, claims that she had taken the fan by mistake.  Her audacity, however, wins Lord Augustus' heart.