The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde-Act II.
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The Importance of Being Earnest (L'Importance d'être Constant) d'Oscar Wilde - Acte II.

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Titre: L'importance d'être Constant. Une comédie frivole pour personnes sérieuses.

Auteur: Oscar Wilde.

Date de parution: le 29 août 2006 [eBook #844].

Langue : anglaise.
Transcrit de l'édition de 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. par David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm L'importance d'être constant. Une comédie frivole pour personnes sérieuses Par Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

LES PERSONNAGES DE LA PIÈCE John Worthing, J.P.
Algernon Moncrieff.
Révérend Canon Chasuble, D.D.
Merriman, le majordome.
Lane, le valet de chambre. Lady Bracknell.
L'honorable Gwendolen Fairfax.
Cecily Cardew.
Miss Prism, la gouvernante.

LES SCÈNES DE LA PIÈCE.
ACTE I. L'appartement d'Algernon Moncrieff dans Half-Moon Street, W. ACTE II. Le Jardin de Manor House, Woolton.
Acte III. Le Salon de Manor House, Woolton.

Epoque : Le présent.

DEUXIÈME ACTE.

SCÈNE. Le jardin de Manor House, Woolton. Une volée de marches en pierres grises mène à la maison. Le jardin à l'ancienne, plein de roses. Période de l'année, juillet. Des chaises en osier et une table couverte de livres sont placées sous un grand if. *

On découvre Miss Prism assise à table. À l'arrière, Cecily arrose les fleurs.]

Miss Prism. [Elle appelle.] Cecily, Cecily! Une occupation aussi banale que d'arroser les fleurs n'est-elle pas plutôt le rôle de Moulton que le vôtre ? Surtout à un moment où les plaisirs intellectuels vous attendent. Votre grammaire allemande est sur la table. S'il vous plait, ouvrez-la page quinze. Nous allons revoir la leçon d'hier.

Cecily. [Elle s'approche très lentement.] Mais je n'aime pas l'allemand. Ce n'est pas du tout une langue agréable. Je sais très bien que je suis tout à fait laide après ma leçon d'allemand.

Miss Prism. Enfant, vous savez que votre gardien est désireux que vous devriez vous améliorer de toutes les manières Il a mis un accent particulier sur votre allemand en partant hier pour la ville. En effet, il met toujours l'accent sur votre allemand quand il part en ville.

Cecily. Ce cher oncle Jack est tellement sérieux ! Parfois, il est si sérieux que je pense qu'il ne peut pas être très bien.
Miss Prism. [Elle se lève.] Votre tuteur jouit d'une excellente santé, et le sérieux de son comportement doit être apprécié chez une personne si jeune. Je ne connais personne qui ait un sens de devoir et une responsabilité plus élevés que lui.

Cecily. Je suppose que c'est pourquoi il semble souvent s'ennuyer lorsque nous sommes tous les trois ensemble. *

Miss Prism. Cecily ! Vous me surprenez. M. Worthing a bien des problèmes dans sa vie. L'amusement libre et la banalité seraient hors de question dans sa conversation. Vous devez vous souvenir de son inquiétude constante à l'égard de ce malheureux jeune homme, son frère.

Cecily. J'aimerais que l'oncle Jack permette à ce malheureux jeune homme, son frère, de venir ici parfois. Nous pourrions avoir une bonne influence sur lui, Miss Prism. Je suis sûre que vous le pourriez certainement. Vous savez que l'allemand, la géologie et les choses de ce genre impressionnent beaucoup un homme. [Cecily commence à écrire dans son journal.]
Miss Prism. [Elle secoue la tête]. J'ignore si je pourrais produire le moindre effet sur un personnage qui selon l'aveu même de son frère est un être irrémédiablement faible et chancelant. En fait, je ne suis pas sûre d'avoir envie de m'en occuper. Je ne suis pas favorable à cette manie actuelle de changer, en un clin d’œil, les mauvaises gens en braves gens. On récolte ce que l'on a semé. Vous devriez ranger votre journal, Cecily. Je ne vois pas du tout pourquoi vous devriez tenir un journal.

Cecily. Je tiens un journal afin d'y noter les merveilleux secrets de ma vie. Si je ne les notais pas, je les oublierais tous probablement.
Miss Prism. La mémoire, ma chère Cecily, est le journal que nous emmenons tous avec nous.

Cecily. Oui, mais il relate habituellement les faits qui ne se sont pas produits et qui n'auraient sans doute jamais pu se produire. Je crois que la mémoire est responsable de presque tous les romans en trois volumes que Mudie nous envoie.

Miss Prism. Ne parlez pas à la légère des romans-fleuves, Cecily. J'en ai écrit un moi-même, autrefois.

Cecily. Vraiment, Miss Prism ? Comme vous êtes merveilleusement intelligente ! J'espère qu'il ne se terminait pas bien ! Je n'aime pas les romans qui finissent bien. Ils me dépriment tant.

Miss Prism. Les bons ont fini joyeusement, et les mals malheureusement. C'est ce que signifie la fiction.

Cecily. Je pense que oui. Mais ça me semble très injuste. Et votre roman a-t-il déjà été publié?

Miss Prism. Hélas! non. Le manuscrit a malheureusement été abandonné. Cecily sursaute. J'utilise le mot dans le sens de perdu ou d'égaré. Pour votre travail, mon enfant, ces spéculations sont vaines.

Cecily. [Elle sourit.] Mais je vois que ce cher révérend Chasuble arrive par le jardin.

Miss Prism. Elle se lève et s'avance.

Révérend Chasuble ! C'est un vrai plaisir. [Canon Chasuble entre.] Chasuble. Et comment allons-nous ce matin ? Miss Prism, j'espère que vous allez bien ?

Cecily. Miss Prism se plaignait justement d'un léger mal de tête. Je pense que cela lui ferait du bien de faire une petite promenade avec vous dans le parc, révérend Chasuble.

Miss Prism. Cecily, je n'ai pas parlé du moindre mal de tête.
Cecily. Non, chère Miss Prism, je le sais, mais j'ai senti instinctivement que vous aviez une migraine. Je pensais bel et bien à cela et non pas à ma leçon d'allemand lorsque le révérend est entré.
Chasuble. J'espère, Cecily, que vous êtes attentive.

Cecily. Oh, je crains que non.

Chasuble. C'est étrange. Si j'avais la chance d'être l'élève de Miss Prism, je serais suspendu à ses lèvres. [Miss Prism a l'air énervée.] Je parle de façon métaphorique... ma métaphore fait référence aux abeilles. Hum ! Je suppose que M. Worthing n'est pas encore revenu de la ville ?

Miss Prism. Nous ne l'attendons pas avant lundi après-midi.

Chasuble. Ah oui, d'habitude il aime passer son dimanche à Londres. Il n'est pas de ceux qui ne pense qu'à se divertir comme, de tout évidence, cela semble être le cas de son infortuné jeune frère. Mais je ne vais pas déranger notre Égérie et son élève plus longtemps.

Miss Prism. Égérie ? Mon nom est Laetitia, révérend

Chasuble. [Il s'incline.] Une simple allusion classique tirée des auteurs païens. Sans doute vous verrai-je toutes deux aux vêpres ?

Miss Prism. Je pense, cher révérend, que je vais faire quelques pas avec vous. Il me semble avoir la migraine finalement et une marche pourra me faire du bien.

Chasuble. Avec plaisir, Miss Prism, avec plaisir. Nous pouvons aller jusqu'à l'école et revenir.

Miss Prism. Ce serait parfait. Cecily, vous lirez votre économie politique en mon absence. Vous pouvez passer le chapitre sur la dévaluation de la roupie. C'est quelque peu trop sensationnel. Même ces questions monétaires ont leur aspect mélodramatique. [Elle descend dans le jardin avec le révérend Chasuble.]

Cecily. [Prend les livres et les rejette sur la table.] Horrible Economie Politique ! Horrible géographie ! Horrible, horrible allemand ! [Merriman entre avec une carte sur un plateau.]

Merriman. M. Constant Worthing vient d'arriver de la gare. Il a apporté ses bagages avec lui.

Cecily. [Prend la carte et la lit.] — M. Constant Worthing, B. 4, The Albany, W. Le frère de l'oncle Jack ! Lui avez-vous dit que M. Worthing était en ville?

Merriman. Yes, Miss. Il semblait très déçu. J'ai mentionné que vous et Miss Prism étiez dans le jardin. Il a dit qu'il était impatient de vous parler en privé pendant un moment.

Cecily. Demande à M. Ernest Worthing de venir ici. Je suppose que tu ferais mieux de parler à la femme de ménage d'une chambre pour lui.

Merriman. Oui, mademoiselle. [Merriman sort.]

Cecily. Je n'ai encore jamais rencontré une personne vraiment méchante. Je me sens plutôt effrayée. J'ai tellement peur qu'il ressemble à tout le monde.

[Algernon entre, très gai et débonnaire.] C'est le cas !

Algernon. [Il soulève son chapeau]. Vous êtes ma petite cousine Cecily, j'en suis sûr.
Cecily. Vous faites une drôle d'erreur. Je ne suis pas petite. En fait, je pense que je suis plutôt grande pour mon âge. [Algernon est assez décontenancé]. Mais je suis bien votre cousine Cecily. D'après votre carte, vous êtes le frère d'oncle Jack, mon cousin Constant, le malfaisant cousin Constant.

Algernon. Oh ! Je ne suis pas du tout malfaisant, cousine Cecily. Vous ne devez pas penser que je suis malfaisant.

Cecily. Si vous ne l'êtes pas, alors vous nous avez tous dupés de façon inexcusable. J'espère que vous n'avez pas mené une double vie, prétendant être méchant et étant vraiment bon tout le temps. Ce serait de l'hypocrisie.

Algernon. [La regarde avec étonnement.] Oh! Bien sûr, j'ai été plutôt imprudent.

Cecily. Je suis contente de l'entendre.

Algernon. En fait, puisque vous en parlez, j'ai été très méchant d'une certaine façon.

Cecily. Je ne pense pas que vous devriez être tellement fier de ça, mais je suis sûre que cela a dû être très agréable.

Algernon. Il est beaucoup plus agréable d'être ici avec vous.

Cecily. Je ne comprends pas du tout comment vous êtes ici. Oncle Jack ne reviendra pas avant lundi après-midi.

Algernon. C'est un grand désappointement. Je suis obligé de partir lundi matin avec le premier train. J'ai un rendez-vous d'affaires que je crains. . . de manquer ?

Cecily. Ne pouriez-vous pas le manquer ailleurs qu'à Londres?

Algernon. Non : le rendez-vous est à Londres.

Cecily. Eh bien, je sais, bien sûr, combien il est important de ne pas honorer un rendez-vous d'affaires, si l'on veut préserver quelque sens de la beauté de la vie, mais je pense tout de même qu'il vaut mieux attendre le retour d'oncle Jack. Je sais qu'il veut vous parler de votre émigration.

Algernon. De ma quoi?

Cecily. Votre émigration. Il est parti acheter votre équipement.

Algernon. Je ne laisserais certainement pas Jack acheter mon équipement. Il n'a absolument aucun goût pour les cravates.

Cecily. Je ne pense pas que vous aurez besoin de cravates. Oncle Jack vous envoie en Australie.

Algernon. En Australie ! Plutôt mourir.
Cecily. Eh bien, il a dit lors du dîner de mercredi soir, que vous devrez choisir entre ce monde, l'autre monde et l'Australie.

Algernon. Eh, bien ! Les informations que j'ai reçues au sujet de l'Australie et de l'autre monde ne sont pas particulièrement encourageantes. Ce monde-ci est assez bon pour moi, cousine Cecily. Cecily. Oui, mais êtes-vous assez bon pour lui?

Algernon. Je crains bien que non. C'est pourquoi je veux que vous me rééduquiez.. Vous pourriez en faire votre mission, si cela ne vous ennuie pas, cousine Cecily. Cecily. Je crains de ne pas avoir le temps, cet après-midi.

Algernon. Eh bien, cela vous ennuierait que je me rééduque cet après-midi ?

Cecily. C'est plutôt donquichottesque de votre part. Mais je pense que vous devriez essayer.

Algernon. Je vais le faire. Je me sens déjà mieux.

Cecily. Vous avez l'air d'aller moins bien.

Algernon. C'est parce que j'ai faim.

Cecily. Comme je suis étourdie. J'aurais dû me souvenir que lorsque l'on va mener une existence totalement nouvelle, on a besoin de repas réguliers et équilibrés. Voulez-vous entrer ?

Algernon. Merci. Pourrais-je d'abord avoir une fleur pour ma boutonnière ? Je n'ai jamais d'appétit à moins d'avoir d'abord une fleur à ma boutonnière.

Cecily. Une Maréchale Niel ? [Elle prend les ciseaux.]

Algernon. Non, je préférerais une rose rose.

Cecily. Pourquoi ? [Elle coupe une fleur.]

Algernon. Parce que vous êtes comme une rose rose, cousine Cecily. Cecily. Je ne pense pas qu'il soit bon pour vous de me parler comme cela. Miss Prism ne me dit jamais de telles choses.

Algernon. Alors Miss Prism est une vieille dame myope. [Cecily met la rose à sa boutonnière.] Vous êtes la plus jolie jeune fille que j'aie jamais vue.

Cecily. Miss Prism dit que la beauté est un piège.

Algernon. C'est un piège dans lequel tout homme sensé aimerait être pris.

Cecily. Oh, je ne pense pas que j'aimerais attraper un homme sensé. Je ne saurais pas de quoi lui parler.
[Ils entrent dans la maison. Miss Prism et le révérend Chasuble reviennent.]

Miss Prism. Vous êtes trop seul, cher révérend Chasuble. Vous devriez vous marier. Je peux comprendre que l'on soit misanthrope mais misogyne, jamais !
Chasuble. [Avec un haussement d’épaule dédaigneux]. Croyez-moi, je ne mérite pas un tel néologisme. Les préceptes comme la pratique dans l'Église ancienne allaient clairement à l'encontre du mariage.

Miss Prism. [Sentencieuse]. C'est bien la raison pour laquelle l'Église ancienne n'a pas survécu jusqu'à nos jours. Et vous ne semblez pas réaliser, cher révérend, qu'en demeurant obstinément célibataire, un homme se transforme en tentation permanente. Les hommes devraient être plus prudents, ce célibat mène les plus faibles à la déroute.

Chasuble. Mais un homme ne demeure-t-il pas toujours aussi attirant après le mariage ?

Miss Prism. Aucun homme marié n'est attirant, sauf pour son épouse.

Chasuble. Et souvent, m'a-t-on dit, pas même pour elle.

Miss Prism. Cela dépend des affinités intellectuelles de la femme. On peut toujours dépendre de la maturité. On peut faire confiance à la maturité. Les jeunes femmes sont vertes. [Dr Chasuble sursaute.] Je parlais d'un point de vue horticole. Ma métaphore était tirée des fruits. Mais où est Cecily ?

Chasuble. Elle nous a peut-être suivis jusqu'aux écoles.

[Jack entre lentement de l'arrière du jardin. Il est habillé en grand deuil, avec un crêpe noir à son chapeau et des gants noirs.]

Miss Prism. M. Worthing !

Chasuble. M. Worthing ?

Miss Prism. C'est vraiment une surprise. Nous ne vous attendions pas avant lundi après-midi.

Jack. [Il serre la main de Mme Prism de façon tragique.] Je suis revenu plus tôt que prévu. Révérend Chasuble, j'espère que vous allez bien ?

Chasuble. Cher Monsieur Worthing, j'espère que cette tenue de deuil n'est pas annonciatrice de quelque terrible calamité.

Jack. Mon frère.

Miss Prism. D'autres dettes honteuses et extravagances ?

Chasuble. Mène-t-il toujours cette vie de plaisir ?

Jack. [Il secoue la tête.] Mort !

Chasuble. Votre frère Constant est mort ?

Jack. Bel et bien mort.

Miss Prism. Quelle leçon pour lui ! J'espère qu'elle lui sera profitable.

Chasuble. Monsieur Worthing, je vous présente mes sincères condoléances. Vous avez au moins la consolation de savoir que vous avez toujours été le plus généreux et clément des frères.

Jack. Pauvre Constant ! Il avait beaucoup de défauts, mais c'est un coup dur.

Chasuble. Très dur, en effet. Étiez-vous à ses côtés à la fin ?

Jack. Non. Il est mort à l'étranger, à Paris, en fait. J'ai reçu un télégramme la nuit dernière du directeur du Grand Hôtel.

Chasuble. La cause du décès était-elle indiquée ?

Jack. Un sérieux refroidissement, semble-t-il.

Miss Prism. Un homme récolte ce qu'il sème.

Chasuble. [Il lève la main.] De la charité, chère Miss Prism, de la charité ! Aucun de nous n'est parfait. Je suis moi-même particulièrement sensible aux courants de l'air. L'enterrement aura-t-il lieu ici ?

Jack. Non. Il semble qu'il ait exprimé le désir d'être enterré à Paris.

Chasuble. A Paris ! [Il secoue la tête.] Je crains que cela n'indique la gravité de son état psychique à la fin. Vous voudriez, sans doute, que je fasse une légère allusion, dimanche prochain, à ce malheur familial tragique. [Jack presse sa main convulsivement.] Mon sermon sur la signification de la manne dans le désert peut être adapté à presque toutes les occasiosn, joyeuses ou, comme dans le cas présent, tristes. [Tous soupirent.] J'ai fait ce prêche lors de la célébration des moissons, des baptêmes, des confirmations, des jours de jeûne et des jours de fête. La dernière fois que je l'ai prononcé c'était dans la cathédrale, un sermon appelant à la charité envers la Société pour la prévention du mécontentement parmi les ordres supérieurs. L'évêque, qui était présent, a été très impressionné par certaines analogies que j'ai faites.

Jack. Ah ! Cela me rappelle, vous avez mentionné les baptêmes, je crois, Révérend Chasuble? Je suppose que vous savez comment bien baptiser? [Le révérend Chasuble parait étonné.] Je veux dire, bien sûr, que vous baptisez continuellement, n'est-ce pas?

Miss Prism. C'est, j'ai le regret de le dire, l'un des devoirs les plus constants du recteur dans cette paroisse. J'ai souvent parlé aux classes les plus pauvres à ce sujet. Mais ils ne semblent pas savoir ce qu'est l'épargne.

Chasuble. Mais y a-t-il un enfant en particulier qui vous intéresse, M. Worthing ? Votre frère était, je crois, célibataire, n'est-ce pas ?

Jack. Oh oui.

Miss Prism. [Amèrement.] Les personnes qui vivent entièrement pour le plaisir le sont généralement.

Jack. Mais ce n'est pas pour un enfant, cher révérend. J'aime beaucoup les enfants. Non ! le fait est que je voudrais être moi-même baptisé, cette après-midi, si vous n'avez rien de mieux à faire.

Chasuble. Mais certainement, M. Worthing, vous avez déjà été baptisé ?

Jack. Je ne m'en souviens pas du tout.

Chasuble. Mais avez-vous des doutes sérieux à ce sujet ?

Jack. Je suis enclin à en avoir. Bien sûr, je ne sais pas si la chose vous dérangerait de quelque façon que ce soit, ou si vous pensez que je suis un peu trop vieux maintenant.

Chasuble. Pas du tout. L'aspersion et, en effet, l'immersion des adultes sont des pratiques parfaitement canoniques.

Jack. L'immersion !

Chasuble. N'ayez aucune appréhension. L'aspersion est tout à fait suffisante, voire même préférable, je pense. Notre climat est si variable. A quelle heure souhaitez-vous que la cérémonie ait lieu ?

Jack. Oh, je pourrais venir autour de cinq heures si cela vous convient.

Chasuble. Parfait, parfait ! En fait, j'ai deux cérémonies similaires à célébrer à ce moment-là. Une naissance de jumeaux qui s'est produite dans un petit cottage aux abords de votre domaine. Le pauvre Jenkins le charretier, un homme qui travaille dur.

Jack. Oh ! Cela ne me semble pas très amusant d'être baptisé en compagnie de bébés. Ce serait puéril. Cinq heures et demie vous conviendrait ?

Chasuble. Admirablement ! Admirablement ! [Il sort sa montre.] Et maintenant, cher Monsieur Worthing, je ne vais pas m'imposer plus longuement dans une maison emplie de chagrin. Je voudrais simplement vous demander de ne pas vous laisser accabler par le chagrin. Ce qui nous semble être des épreuves amères sont souvent des bénédictions déguisées.

Miss Prism. Cela me semble être une bénédiction des plus évidentes.
[Cecily entre depuis la maison.]

Cecily. Oncle Jack ! Oh, je suis heureuse de vous revoir. Mais quels affreux vêtements vous portez ! Allez en changer.

Miss Prism. Cecily !

Chasuble. Mon enfant ! Mon enfant ! [Cecily s'avance vers Jack, il l'embrasse sur le front d'un air mélancolique.]

Cecily. Que se passe-t-il, oncle Jack ? Souriez ! Vous avez l'air d'avoir une rage de dent, et j'ai une fameuse surprise pour vous. Savez-vous qui est dans la salle à manger ? Votre frère !

Jack. Qui ?

Cecily. Votre frère Constant. Il est arrivé il y a environ une demi-heure.
Jack. Quelle absurdité ! Je n'ai pas de frère.

Cecily. Oh, ne dites pas cela ! Même s'il s'est peut-être mal comporté envers vous dans le passé, il est encore votre frère. Vous ne pourriez pas être cruel au point de le renier. Je vais lui dire de venir ici. Et vous lui serrerez la main, n'est-ce pas, oncle Jack ? [Elle court dans la maison.]

Chasuble. Ce sont des nouvelles très joyeuses.

Miss Prism. Après nous être tous résignés à sa perte, son retour soudain me semble particulièrement pénible.
Jack. Mon frère est dans la salle à manger ? Je ne sais pas ce que tout cela signifie. Je pense que c'est parfaitement absurde.
[Algernon et Cecily entrent, main dans la main Ils s'approchent lentement de Jack.] Jack. Bonté divine ! [Il repousse Algernon.]

Algernon. Mon frère John, je suis venu de la ville pour te dire que je suis vraiment désolé de tous les problèmes que je t'ai causés, et que j'ai l'intention de mener une vie meilleure à l'avenir. [Jack le regarde et ne prend pas sa main.]

Cecily. Oncle Jack, vous n'allez pas refuser de serrer la main de votre propre frère ?
Jack. Rien ne pourra me persuader de lui serrer la main. Je pense que sa venue ici est honteuse. Il sait très bien pourquoi.

Cecily. Oncle Jack, soyez gentil. Il y a quelque chose de bon en chacun. Constant vient de me parler de son pauvre ami invalide, M. Bunbury, qu'il va souvent visiter. Et bien sûr il doit y avoir beaucoup de bonté en celui qui est gentil avec un invalide et qui délaisse les plaisirs de Londres pour s'asseoir à côté d'un lit de douleur.

Jack. Oh ! il a parlé de Bunbury, vraiment ?

Cecily. Oui, il m'a tout dit au sujet de ce pauvre M. Bunbury et de son terrible état de santé.

Jack. Bunbury ! Eh bien, je ne vais pas le faire parler de Bunbury ou de tout autre chose. C'est suffisant pour mettre quelqu'un dans tous ses états.

Algernon. Bien sûr, j'avoue que les torts étaient tous de mon côté. Mais je dois dire que je pense que la froideur de mon frère John envers moi est particulièrement douloureuse. J'espérais un accueil plus enthousiaste, d'autant plus que c'est la première fois que je viens ici.

Cecily. Oncle Jack, si vous ne serrez pas la main de Constant, je ne vous le pardonnerai jamais.

Jack. Ne jamais me le pardonner?

Cecily. Jamais, jamais, jamais !

Jack. Eh bien, c'est la dernière fois que je le ferai. [Il serre la main d'Algernon et le regarde.]

Chasuble. C'est agréable, n'est-ce pas, de voir une réconciliation aussi parfaite? Je pense que nous pourrions laisser ensemble les deux frères.

Miss Prism. Cecily, vous viendrez avec nous.

Cecily. Bien sûr, Miss Prism. Ma petite mission de réconciliation est terminée.

Chasuble. Vous avez fait une bonne action aujourd'hui, chère enfant.

Miss Prism. N'ayons pas de jugements prématurés.

Cecily. Je suis si heureuse. [Ils sortent tous sauf Jack et Algernon.]

Jack. Tu es une petite canaille, Algy, tu dois quitter cet endroit au plus vite. Je n'accepte aucun Bunburry ici.

[Merriman entre.] Merriman. J'ai mis les affaires de M. Constant dans la chambre à côté de la vôtre, Monsieur. Je suppose que c'est bien ?

Jack. Comment ?

Merriman. Les bagages de Monsieur Constant, Monsieur. Je les ai défaits et mis dans la chambre à côté de la vôtre.

Jack. Ses bagages ?

Merriman. Oui, Monsieur. Trois malles, un nécessaire de toilette, deux cartons à chapeaux et un grand panier pour les pique-niques.

Algernon. Je crains de ne pouvoir rester plus d'une semaine cette fois-ci.

Jack. Merriman, faites venir la carriole immédiatement. Monsieur Constant vient d'être subitement rappelé en ville.

Merriman. Oui, Monsieur. [Il rentre dans la maison.]

Algernon. Tu es un fieffé menteur.

Jack. Je n'ai pas été du tout rappelé en ville.

Jack. Oui, tu l'as été !

Algernon. Je n'ai entendu personne m'appeler.

Jack. Tes devoirs en tant que gentleman te rappellent.

Algernon. Mes devoirs en tant que gentleman n'ont jamais gênés mes plaisirs au plus petit degré.

Jack. Je comprends bien cela.
Algernon. Eh bien, Cecily est une chérie.

Jack. Vous ne devez pas parler de Mademoiselle Cardew de cette façon. Je n'aime pas cela.

Algernon. Eh bien moi je n'aime pas vos vêtements. Tu as l'air tout à fait ridicule dans ces vêtements. Pourquoi diable ne vas-tu pas te changer ? C'est tout à fait puéril d'être ainsi en grand deuil pour un homme qui reste une semaine entière avec toi, en tant qu'invité, dans ta maison. Je trouve cela grotesque.

Jack. Tu ne vas certainement pas rester avec moi pendant toute une semaine en tant qu'invité ou quoi que ce soit d'autre. Tu dois partir. . . par le train de quatre heures cinq.

Algernon. Je ne vais certainement pas te quitter tant que tu es en deuil. Ce serait des plus inamical. Si j'étais en deuil, je suppose que tu resterais près de moi. Je trouverais cela très méchant si tu ne le faisais pas.

Jack. Eh bien, vas-tu partir si je change de vêtements ?

Algernon. Oui, si ce n'est pas trop long. Je n'ai jamais vu quelqu'un prendre tant de temps à s'habiller, et pour un si petit résultat.

Jack. Eh bien, en tout cas, c'est mieux que d'être toujours trop habillé comme toi.

Algernon. Si je suis à l'occasion un peu trop habillé, je me rattrape en étant toujours immensément bien élevé.

Jack. Ta vanité est ridicule, ta conduite est scandaleuse et ta présence dans mon jardin absolument absurde. Ceci dit, vous devez prendre le train de quatre heures cinq, et j'espère que vous aurez un agréable voyage pour retourner en ville. Ce Bunburiser, comme tu l'appelles, n'a pas été un grand succès pour toi.
[Il va dans la maison.]

Algernon. Je pense que cela a été un grand succès. Je suis amoureux de Cecily, et c'est tout.

[Cecily entre par le fond du jardin. Elle prend l’arrosoir et commence à arroser les fleurs.] Mais je dois la voir avant de partir et prendre des dispositions pour un autre Bunbury. Ah, la voilà !

Cecily. Oh, j'étais simplement revenue pour arroser les roses. Je pensais que vous étiez avec l’oncle Jack.

Algernon. Il est parti pour commander la charrette anglaise pour moi.

Cecily. Oh, va-t-il vous emmener pour une belle promenade ?

Algernon. Il va me chasser.

Cecily. Alors nous devons nous séparer ?

Algernon. Je le crains. C'est une séparation bien douloureuse.

Cecily. Il est toujours douloureux de se séparer de personnes que l'on connait depuis très peu de temps. On peut supporter avec sérénité l'absence des vieux amis. Mais même une séparation momentanée avec quiconque à qui on vient d'être présenté est presque insupportable.

Algernon. Je vous remercie.

[Merriman entre.] Merriman. La charette anglaise est à la porte, Monsieur. [Algernon regarde Cecily d'un air suppliant.] Cecily. Merriman, cela peut attendre . . . cinq minutes.

Merriman. Oui, mademoiselle. [Merriman sort.]

Algernon. J'espère, Cecily, que je ne vous offenserai pas si je déclare tout à fait franchement et ouvertement que vous me semblez être de toutes les façons la personnification visible de la perfection absolue.

Cecily. Je pense que votre franchise vous fait grand crédit, Constant. Si vous me le permettez, je vais copier vos remarques dans mon journal. [Elle va jusqu'à la table et commence à écrire dans son journal.]

Algernon. Vous tenez vraiment un journal intime ? Je donnerais n'importe quoi pour y jeter un coup d’œil. Puis-je ?
Cecily. Oh non ! [Elle met sa main dessus.] Vous voyez, ce n'est que le récit d'une jeune fille sur ses pensées et ses impressions, et par conséquent il est destiné à la publication. Quand il sera publié, j'espère que vous en commanderez un exemplaire. Mais je vous en prie, Constant, continuez. J'adore écrire sous la dictée. J'étais arrivée à « perfection absolue ». Vous pouvez continuer. Je suis prête pour la suite.

Algernon. [Quelque peu surpris.]

Hum ! Hum !

Cecily. Oh, ne toussez pas, Constant. Quand on dicte, il faut parler de façon fluide et sans tousser. D'ailleurs, je ne sais pas comment écrire un toussotement. [Elle écrit ce qu'Algernon dit.]

Algernon. [Il parle très rapidement.] Cecily, dès que j'ai vu votre merveilleuse et incomparable beauté, j'ai osé vous aimer sauvagement, passionnément, avec dévouement, désespérément.

Cecily. Je ne pense pas que vous devriez me dire que vous m'aimez sauvagement, passionnément, avec dévouement, désespérément. Désespérément ne semble pas avoir beaucoup de sens, n'est-ce pas ?

Algernon. Cecily !

[Merriman entre.] Merriman. La charette anglaise attend, monsieur.

Algernon. Dites-lui qu'elle revienne la semaine prochaine à la même heure.

Merriman. [Il regarde Cecily qui ne réagit pas.] Oui, monsieur.
[Merriman se retire.]

Cecily. Uncle Jack serait très agacé s'il savait que vous restez jusqu'à la semaine prochaine, à la même heure.

Algernon. Oh, je ne me soucie pas de Jack. Je ne me soucie de personne au monde sauf vous. Je vous aime, Cecily. Vous allez vous marier avec moi, n'est-ce pas ?

Cecily. Petit idiot ! Bien sûr. Alors, cela fait depuis trois mois que nous sommes fiancés

Algernon. Depuis trois mois ?

Cecily. Oui, cela fera exactement trois mois jeudi.

Algernon. Mais comment sommes-nous devenus fiancés ?

Cecily. Eh bien, depuis que ce cher Oncle Jack nous a avoué qu'il avait un frère plus jeune qui était très méchant et malicieux, vous êtes évidemment devenu le principal sujet de conversation entre Miss Prism et moi. Et naturellement, un homme dont on parle beaucoup est toujours très attirant. On sent qu'il doit y avoir quelque chose en lui, après tout. J'imagine que c'était stupide de ma part, mais je suis tombée amoureuse de vous, Constant.

Algernon. Chérie ! Et quand les fiançailles ont-elles été décidées ?

Cecily. Le 14 février dernier. Lassée par votre totale ignorance de mon existence, j'ai décidé de mettre fin à cette histoire d'une manière ou d'une autre, et après une longue lutte avec moi-même, j'ai accepté votre demande sous ce cher vieil arbre. Le lendemain, j'ai acheté cette petite bague en votre nom, et voici le petit bracelet avec le nœud du véritable amour que je vous ai promis de porter toujours.

Algernon. Je vous ai donné cela ? C'est très joli, n'est-ce pas ?

Cecily. Oui, vous avez merveilleusement bon goût, Constant. C'est l'excuse que j'ai toujours donnée pour votre conduite d'une telle mauvaise vie. Et voici la boîte dans laquelle je garde toutes vos chères lettres. [Elle s'agenouille à la table, ouvre la boîte et en sort des lettres attachées par un ruban bleu.]

Algernon. Mes lettres ! Mais, ma douce Cecily, je ne vous ai jamais écrit de lettres.

Cecily. Inutile de me le rappeler, Constant. Je me rappelle très bien que je fut obligé d'écrire vos lettres pour vous. J'écrivais trois fois par semaine et parfois plus.

Algernon. Oh, permettez-moi de les lire ?

Cecily. Oh, je ne peux vraiment pas. Elles vous rendraient beaucoup trop prétentieux. [Elle remet la boîte en place.] Les trois que vous m'avez écrites après j'ai rompu les fiançailles sont si belles et si mal orthographiées, que même maintenant je ne peux guère les lire sans pleurer un peu.
Algernon. Mais nos fiançailles ont-elles jamais été rompues ?

Cecily. Bien sûr qu'elles ont été rompues. Le 22 mars dernier. Vous pouvez en voir la mention si vous le souhaitez. [Elle montre son journal.] « Aujourd'hui, j'ai rompu mes fiançailles avec Constant. Je pense qu'il vaut mieux le faire. Le temps reste charmant. » Algernon. Mais pourquoi est-ce que vous les avez rompues ? Qu'avais-je fait ? Je n'avais rien fait du tout. Cecily, je suis très blessé d'entendre que vous ayez rompu. En particulier alors que le temps était si charmant.

Cecily. Ce n'aurait pas vraiment été des fiançailles sérieuses si elles n’avaient pas été rompues au moins une fois. Mais je vous avais pardonné avant la fin de la semaine.

Algernon. [Il va vers elle et s'agenouille.] Quel ange parfait vous faites, Cecily. Cecily. Cher garçon romantique. [Il l'embrasse, elle passe les doigts dans ses cheveux.] J'espère que vos cheveux sont naturellement bouclés. Le sont-ils ?

Algernon. Oui, ma chérie, avec l'aide de certains.

Cecily. Je suis si heureuse.

Algernon. Vous n'allez plus jamais rompre nos fiançailles, Cecily ?

Cecily. Je ne pense plus que je pourrais les rompre maintenant que je vous ai vraiment rencontré. D'ailleurs, bien sûr, il y a la question de votre nom.

Algernon. Oui bien sûr. [Nerveusement.]

Cecily. Vous ne devez pas rire de moi, mon chéri, mais cela a toujours été pour moi un rêve de jeune fille d'aimer quelqu'un qui s'appelle Constant. [Algernon se lève, Cecily aussi.] Il y a quelque chose dans ce nom qui semble inspirer une confiance absolue. Je plains toute pauvre femme mariée dont le mari ne s'appelle pas Constant.

Algernon. Mais, mon cher enfant, voulez-vous dire que vous ne pourriez pas m'aimer si j'avais un autre nom ?

Cecily. Mais quel nom ?

Algernon. Oh, n'importe quel nom qui vous plairait - Algernon - par exemple. . .

Cecily. Mais je n'aime pas du tout le nom d'Algernon. Algernon. Eh bien, ma chérie adorée, douce et aimante, je ne vois vraiment pas pourquoi vous devriez vous opposer au nom d'Algernon. Ce n'est pas du tout un mauvais nom. En fait, c'est plutôt un nom aristocratique. La moitié des types qui se présentent au tribunal de commerce s'appellent Algernon. Mais sérieusement, Cecily. . . [Il s'approche d'elle]. . . Seriez-vous incapable de m'aimer si je m'appelais Algy ?

Cecily. [Elle se lève]. Je pourrais vous respecter, Constant, je pourrais admirer votre personnalité, mais je crains de ne pouvoir vous donner toute mon attention.

Algernon. Hum ! Cecily ! [Il prend son chapeau]. Le révérend Père ici est, je suppose, tout a fait habilité pour pratiquer les rites et cérémonies de l’Église ?

Cecily. Oh, oui ! Le révérend Chasuble est un homme érudit. Il n'a jamais écrit un seul livre, donc vous pouvez imaginer combien il en sait.

Algernon. Je dois le voir tout de suite pour un baptême très important ... je veux dire pour une affaire très importante.

Cecily Oh !

Algernon. Je ne m'absente pas plus d'une demi-heure.

Cecily. Étant donné que nous sommes fiancés depuis le 14 février, et que je ne vous ai rencontré qu'aujourd'hui pour la première fois, je pense qu'il est plutôt difficile que vous me quittiez pendant une demi-heure. Ne pouvez-vous faire cela en vingt minutes ?

Algernon. Je reviens tout de suite.
[Il l'embrasse et se précipite dans le jardin.]

Cecily. Quel garçon impétueux ! Et j'aime beaucoup ses cheveux. Je dois noter sa proposition dans mon journal.

[Merriman entre.] Merriman. Une certaine Miss Fairfax vient de passer pour voir M. Worthing. Pour une affaire très importante, déclare Miss Fairfax.

Cecily. M. Worthing n'est-il pas dans sa bibliothèque ?
Merriman. M. Worthing est allé dans la direction du presbytère il y a quelque temps.

Cecily. Priez cette dame de venir ici; M. Worthing va certainement revenir bientôt. Et vous pouvez apporter le thé.

Merriman. Oui, mademoiselle. [Il sort.]

Cecily. Miss Fairfax ! Je suppose qu'il s'agit de l'une de ces nombreuses femmes âgées qui collaborent avec oncle Jack dans certaines de ses œuvres philanthropiques à Londres. Je n'apprécie guère les femmes intéressées par les œuvres philanthropiques. Je trouve cela tellement impertinent de leur part.

[Merriman entre.] Merriman. Mademoiselle Fairfax.

[Gwendolen entre.]

[Merriman sort.]

Cecily. [Elle s'avance vers elle.] Permettez-moi de me présenter. Je m'appelle Cecily Cardew.

Gwendolen. Cecily Cardew ? [Elle s’avance vers elle et lui serre la main.] Quel joli nom ! Quelque chose me dit que nous allons devenir de grandes amies. Je vous apprécie déjà plus que je ne saurais le dire. Mes premières impressions ne me trompent jamais.

Cecily Que c'est gentil de m'aimer tellement alors que nous nous connaissons depuis tellement peu de temps. Mais asseyez-vous, je vous prie.

Gwendolen. [Elle reste debout.] Je peux vous appeler Cecily, n'est-ce-pas ?

Cecily. Avec plaisir !

Gwendolen. Et vous m'appelerez toujours Gwendolen, n'est-ce pas ?

Cecily. Si vous voulez.

Gwendolen. C'est donc convenu, n'est-ce pas ?

Cecily. J'espère, oui. [Une pause. Toutes deux s'assoient.]

Gwendolen. Peut-être que cela pourrait être une occasion favorable pour mentionner qui je suis. Mon père est Lord Bracknell. Vous n'avez jamais entendu parler de papa, je suppose ?

Cecily. Je ne pense pas.

Gwendolen. En dehors du cercle de famille, papa, je suis ravie de le dire, est tout à fait inconnu. Je pense que c'est comme il se doit. La maison semble être le domaine propre à l'homme. Et il est certain que lorsqu'un homme commence à négliger ses devoirs domestiques, il devient péniblement efféminé, n'est-ce pas ? Et cela ne me plaît pas. Cela rend les hommes extrêmement attirants. Cecily, maman, dont les idées en matière d'éducation sont particulièrement strictes, ne m'a pas appris à voir loin, cela fait partie de son système. Cela ne vous dérange pas si je mets mes lunettes pour vous regarder.

Cecily. Oh ! Pas du tout, Gwendolen. J'aime beaucoup être regardée.

Gwendolen. [Après avoir minutieusement examinée Cecily derrière son face-à-main.] Vous êtes ici pour une courte visite, je suppose.

Cecily. Oh non ! Je vis ici.

Gwendolen. [Sévèrement.] Vraiment ? Sans aucun doute, votre mère ou une parente d'un âge certain habite ici également ?

Cecily. Oh non ! En fait, je n'ai pas de mère, ni aucun parent.

Gwendolen. Vraiment ?

Cecily. Mon cher tuteur, avec l'aide de Miss Prism, a la lourde tâche de veiller sur moi.
Gwendolen. Votre tuteur ?

Cecily. Oui, je suis la pupille de M. Worthing.

Gwendolen. Oh ! Il est étrange qu'il ne m'ait jamais mentionné qu'il avait une pupille. Comme il est cachottier ! Il devient plus intéressant d'heure en heure. Je ne suis toutefois pas sûre que ces nouvelles m'inspirent des sentiments de pur délice. [Elle se lève et va vers elle.] Je vous aime beaucoup, Cecily; je vous ai aimée dès que je vous ai rencontrée ! Mais je suis obligée de déclarer que maintenant que je sais que vous êtes la pupille de M. Worthing, je ne peux pas m'empêcher d'exprimer le souhait que vous fussiez un peu plus âgée que vous ne semblez l'être - et d'une allure pas aussi séduisante. En fait, si je peux parler franchement... Cecily. Faites, je vous en prie ! Je pense que chaque fois que l'on a quelque chose de désagréable à dire, il faut toujours être assez franc.

Gwendolen. Eh bien, pour parler avec une candeur parfaite, Cecily, j'aimerais que vous ayez au moins quarante-deux ans, et que vous soyez plus laide que d'habitude pour votre âge. Constant a un caractère entier et rigoureux. Il est l'âme même de la vérité et de l'honneur. La déloyauté serait chez lui aussi impossible que la tromperie. Mais même les hommes du plus noble caractère moral possible sont extrêmement sensibles à l'influence des charmes physiques des autres. L'Histoire moderne, pas moins que l'Histoire antique, nous fournit des exemples très douloureux de ce à quoi je me réfère. Sinon d'ailleurs, l'Histoire serait tout à fait inintéressante.

Cecily. Pardon, Gwendoline, vous avez dit : Constant ?

Gwendolen. Oui.

Cecily. Oh, mais ce n'est pas M. Constant Worthing qui est mon tuteur. C'est son frère, son frère aîné.

Gwendolen. [Elle se rassoit.] Constant ne m'a jamais mentionné qu'il avait un frère.

Cecily. Je suis désolée de dire qu'ils ne sont pas en bons termes depuis longtemps.

Gwendolen. Ah ! Cela explique tout. Et maintenant que j'y pense je n'ai jamais entendu personne mentionner son frère. Le sujet semble désagréable pour la plupart des hommes. Cecily, vous ôtez un poids de mon esprit. J'étais presque anxieuse. Ç'aurait été terrible si un nuage avait terni une amitié comme la nôtre, n'est-ce pas ? Bien sûr, vous êtes tout à fait certaine que ce n'est pas M. Constant Worthing qui est votre tuteur ?

Cecily. Assez sûre. [Une pause.] En fait, je vais être le sien.

Gwendolen. [Inquisitrice.] Pardon ?

Cecily. [Plutôt timidement et sur le ton de la confidence.] Ma très chère Gwendolen, il n'y a aucune raison pour que je vous en fasse un secret. Notre petit journal du comté en fera certainement la chronique la semaine prochaine. M. Constant Worthing et moi sommes fiancés.

Gwendolen. [Elle se lève, très poliment.] Ma chère Cecily, je pense qu'il doit y avoir une petite erreur. M. Constant Worthing est fiancé avec moi. L'annonce paraitra dans le Morning Post de samedi au plus tard.

Cecily. [Elle se lève, très poliment.] Je crains que vous ne vous mépreniez. Constant m'a fait sa demande il y a exactement dix minutes. [Elle montre son journal.]

Gwendolen. [Elle examine minutieusement le journal derrière son face-à-main.] C'est vraiment très étrange car hier après-midi, à cinq heures et demie, il m'a demandé de l'épouser. Si vous voulez vous donner la peine de vérifier ce fait, je vous en prie. [Elle tend son propre journal.] Je ne voyage jamais sans mon journal. On devrait toujours avoir quelque chose de sensationnel à lire dans le train. Je suis navrée, chère Cecily, que cela soit une déception pour vous, mais j'ai bien peur d'avoir la priorité.

Cecily. Cela me gênerait plus que je ne puis vous le dire, ma chère Gwendolen, si cela vous a causé une détresse mentale ou physique, mais je suis obligée de souligner que depuis le moment où Constant vous a fait sa demande, il a clairement changé d'avis.

Gwendolen. [Pensive.] Si le pauvre garçon a été pris au piège et s'enferré dans de folles promesses, je considérerai de mon devoir de l'en délivrer immédiatement et sans hésitation.

Cecily. [Pensive et triste.] Peu importe dans quel malheureux guêpier il s'est fourré, je ne lui en ferai jamais le reproche lorsque nous serons marié.

Gwendolen. Me considérez-vous, Mademoiselle Cardew, comme un guêpier ? Vous êtes présomptueuse. Lors d'une occasion comme celle-ci, il est plus que de son devoir de s'exprimer librement. Cela devient un plaisir.

Cecily. Vous suggérez, Mademoiselle Fairfax, que je l'ai emberlificoté dans une histoire de fiançailles ? Comment osez-vous ? Ce n'est pas le moment de faire des ronds de jambe. J'appelle un chat, un chat.

Gwendolen. [Sur un ton satirique.] Je suis heureuse de n'avoir jamais vu ce genre de chat. Il est évident que nos sphères sociales sont diamétralement opposées.

[Merriman entre, suivi d'un valet de pied. Il apporte un plateau, une nappe et un dessous de plat. Cecily était sur le point de répliquer. La présence des domestiques exerce une influence modératrice, ce dont les deux filles s'irritent.

Merriman. Puis-je servir le thé ici comme d'habitude, mademoiselle ?

Cecily. [Sévèrement, d'une voix calme.] Oui, comme d'habitude. [Merriman commence à débarrasser la table et pose la nappe. Une longue pause. Cecily et Gwendolen s'observent.]

Gwendolen. Y a-t-il beaucoup de promenades intéressantes à proximité, Miss Cardew ?

Cecily. Oh ! oui ! beaucoup. Du haut d'une des collines assez proches on peut voir cinq comtés.

Gwendolen. Cinq comtés ! Je ne pense pas que ça pourrait me plaire, je déteste la foule.

Cecily. [Doucement.] Je suppose que c'est la raison pour laquelle vous habitez en ville ? [Gwendolen se mord la lèvre, et frappe nerveusement son pied avec le parasol.]

Gwendolen. [Elle regarde autour d'elle.] Quel jardin bien entretenu, Miss Cardew.

Cecily. Heureuse qu'il vous plaise, Miss Fairfax.
Gwendolen. Je n'avais aucune idée qu'il y avait des fleurs à la campagne.

Cecily. Oh ! les fleurs sont aussi banales ici, Miss Fairfax, que les gens à Londres.

Gwendolen. Personnellement je n'arrive pas à comprendre que quelqu'un vive à la campagne, en tout cas quelqu'un qui est quelqu'un. La campagne est toujours à mourir d'ennui.

Cecily.. Ah ! C'est ce que les journaux appellent la dépression agricole, n'est-ce pas? Je crois que l'aristocratie en souffre beaucoup à l'heure actuelle. C'est presque une épidémie parmi eux, on m'a dit. Puis-je vous offrir du thé, mademoiselle Fairfax?

Gwendolen. [Avec une politesse élaborée.] Merci. [À part.] Une fille détestable ! Mais j'ai besoin de thé !

Cecily. [Gentiment.] Du sucre ?

Gwendolen. [Avec ostentation.] Non, merci. Le sucre n'est plus à la mode. [Cecily la regarde avec colère, prend la pince et met quatre morceaux de sucre dans la tasse.]

Cecily. [Gravement.] Gâteau ou tartine beurrée ?

Gwendolen. [De manière ennuyée.] Une tartine beurrée, s'il vous plait. Le cake est rarement servi aujourd'hui dans les meilleures maisons.

Cecily. [Elle coupe une très grande tranche de cake et la pose sur l'assiette.] Donnez cela à Miss Fairfax.

[Merriman le fait, et sort avec le valet de pied. Gwendolen boit le thé et fait une grimace. Elle repose sa tasse aussitôt, tend la main vers la tartine beurrée, la regarde et s'aperçoit que c’est du cake. Elle se lève, indignée.]

Gwendolen. Vous avez rempli mon thé de morceaux de sucre, et bien que j'aie clairement demandé une tartine beurrée, vous m'avez donné du cake. Je suis connue pour ma gentillesse, et la douceur extraordinaire de ma nature, mais je vous préviens, Miss Cardew, vous pourriez aller trop loin.

Cecily. [Elle se lève.] Je serais prête à tout pour sauver mon pauvre prétendant, innocent et naïf, des machinations ourdies par toute autre jeune fille.

Gwendolen. Dès que je vous ai vue, je me suis méfiée de vous. J'ai senti que vous étiez fausse et trompeuse. Je ne suis jamais trompée dans de telles affaires. Mes premières impressions de gens sont invariablement justes.

Cecily. Il me semble, Miss Fairfax, que j'abuse de votre temps précieux Vous avez sans doute beaucoup d'autres visites du même genre à faire dans le voisinage.

[Jack entre.]

Gwendolen. [Elle l'aperçoit.] Constant ! Mon Constant !

Jack. Gwendolen ! Chérie ! [Il désire l'embrasser.]

Gwendolen. [Elle recule.] Un instant ! Puis-je vous demander si vous avez demandé cette jeune demoiselle en mariage ? [Elle montre Cecily.]

Jack. [Il rit.] Cette chère Cecily ! Bien sûr que non ! Qu'est-ce qui a pu mettre une telle idée dans votre charmante petite tête ?

Gwendolen. Merci. Vous pouvez m'embrasser ! [Elle tend la joue.]

Cecily. [Très gentiment.] Je savais qu'il devait y avoir un malentendu, Miss Fairfax. Ce gentleman dont le bras est actuellement autour de votre taille est mon tuteur, M. John Worthing.

Gwendolen. Pardon?

Cecily. C'est Oncle Jack.

Gwendolen. [Elle recule.] Jack ! Oh !
[Algernon entre.]

Cecily. Et voici Constant.

Algernon. [Il va tout droit vers Cecily, sans remarquer personne d'autre.] Mon amour ! Il veut l'embrasser.

Cecily. Elle se recule. Un instant, Constant ! Puis-je vous demander ... si vous êtes fiancé à cette jeune dame ?

Algernon. Il regarde autour de lui. À quelle jeune dame ? Mon Dieu ! Gwendolen !

Cecily. Oui ! Ciel, Gwendolen, je veux bien dire à Gwendolen.

Algernon. [Il rit.] Bien sûr que non ! Qu'est-ce qui aurait pu mettre une telle idée dans votre jolie petite tête ?

Cecily. Merci. Elle tend sa joue pour un baiser. Vous pouvez. [Algernon l'embrasse.]

Gwendolen. Je sentais qu'il y avait une légère erreur, Miss Cardew. Le gentleman qui vous embrasse maintenant est mon cousin, monsieur Algernon Moncrieff.

Cecily. [Elle s'écarte d'Algernon.] Algernon Moncrieff ! Oh ! Les deux filles se déplacent l'une vers l'autre et s'enlacent comme pour se protéger.

Cecily. Vous vous appelez Algernon ?

Algernon. Je ne peux pas le nier.

Cecily. Oh !

Gwendolen. Vous vous appelez vraiment John ?

Jack. [Il se redresse plutôt fièrement.] Je pourrais le nier si je le voulais. Je pourrais nier tout ce qu'il me plairait. Mais mon nom est certainement John. Il a été John pendant des années.

Cecily. [À Gwendolen.] Une énorme déception nous a été causée.

Gwendolen. Ma pauvre Cecily blessée !

Cecily. Ma douce Gwendolen trompée !

Gwendolen. [Lentement et sérieusement.] Vous m'appellerez soeur, vous voulez bien ? [Elles s'embrassent. Jack et Algernon gémissent et déambulent.]

Cecily. [Plutôt vivement.] Il n'y a qu'une seule question que j'aimerais avoir la permission de poser à mon tuteur.

Gwendolen. Une idée admirable ! Monsieur Worthing, il n'y a qu'une seule question que je souhaiterais avoir la permission de vous poser. Où est votre frère Constant ? Nous sommes toutes deux fiancées à votre frère Constant, il est donc important de savoir où est votre frère Constant à l'heure actuelle.

Jack. [Lentement et hésitant.]

Gwendolen—Cecily—Il est très pénible pour moi d'être forcé de dire la vérité. C'est la première fois de ma vie que je suis confronté à une situation aussi douloureuse et je manque beaucoup d'expérience en la matière. Pourtant, je vais vous dire franchement que je n'ai pas de frère Constant. Je n'ai pas de frère du tout. Je n'ai jamais eu de frère dans ma vie, et je n'ai certainement pas la plus petite intention d'en avoir un à l'avenir.

Cecily. [Surprise.] Pas de frère du tout ?

Jack. [Gaiement.] Aucun !

Gwendolen. [Gravement.] N'avez-vous jamais eu un frère d'aucune sorte ?

Jack. [Agréablement.] Jamais. Pas même d'aucune sorte.

Gwendolen. Je crains qu'il soit clair, Cecily, qu'aucune de nous n'est fiancée à qui que ce soit.

Cecily. Il n’est pas très agréable pour une jeune fille de se retrouver soudainement dans une telle situation. N'est-ce pas ?

Gwendolen. Entrons dans la maison. Ils ne risqueront pas à nous suivre là-bas.

Cecily. Non, les hommes sont si lâches, n'est-ce pas?

[Elles se retirent dans la maison avec des regards méprisants.]

Jack. Cette situation horrible est ce que vous appelez bunburiser, je suppose ?

Algernon. Oui, et c'est un bunburisme tout à fait merveilleux. Le bunburisme le plus merveilleux que j'ai jamais eu dans ma vie.

Jack. Eh bien, tu n'as pas aucun droit de bunburiser ici.

Algernon. C'est absurde. On a le droit de bunburiser dans l'endroit de son choix. Tout bunburyiste sérieux le sait.

Jack. Bunburyiste sérieux! Grand Dieu!

Algernon Eh bien, il faut être sérieux à propos de quelque chose, si on veut s'amuser dans la vie. Je me trouve à être sérieux au sujet de bunburiser. Sur quoi vous êtes sérieux, au nom du ciel, j' en n'ai pas la moindre idée. À propos de tout, j'imagine. Tu as une nature absolument banale.

Jack. Eh bien, la seule petite satisfaction que j'ai dans l'ensemble de cette entreprise misérable est que ton ami Bunbury est anéanti. Tu ne pourras plus te précipiter à la campagne aussi souvent que tu le faisais, cher Algy. Et une très bonne chose aussi.

Algernon. Votre frère est un peu pâlichon, n'est-ce pas, mon cher Jack ? Tu ne pourras plus disparaître à Londres aussi souvent que tu en avais méchamment coutume. Et ce n'est pas mal non plus.

Jack. En ce qui concerne ta conduite envers Miss Cardew, je dois te dire que d'avoir courtisé une fille douce, simple et innocente comme celle-là est tout à fait inexcusable. Pour ne rien dire du fait qu'elle est ma pupille.

Algernon. Je ne vois aucune défense possible pour avoir trompé une jeune femme brillante, intelligente et profondément expérimentée comme Miss Fairfax. Pour ne rien dire du fait qu'elle est ma cousine.

Jack. Je voulais être fiancé à Gwendolen, c'est tout. Je l'aime.

Algernon. Eh bien, je voulais simplement être fiancé à Cecily. Je l'adore.

Jack. Il n'y a certainement aucune chance que tu te maries avec Miss Cardew.

Algernon. Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait beaucoup de probabilité, Jack, que toi et Miss Fairfax soyez unis

Jack. Eh bien, ce n'est pas ton affaire.

Algernon. Si c'était mon affaire, je n'en parlerais pas. [Commence à manger des muffins.] Il est très vulgaire de parler de ses affaires. Seulement des personnes comme les agents de change font cela, et puis seulement pendant les dîners.

Jack. Comment tu peux t'asseoir là-bas, en mangeant calmement des muffins quand nous sommes dans ce terrible problème, cela me dépasse. Tu me sembles être absolument sans coeur.

Algernon. Eh bien, je ne peux pas manger de muffins de manière agitée. Le beurre coulerait probablement sur mes manchettes. On devrait toujours manger des muffins assez calmement. C'est le seul moyen de les manger.

Jack. Je dis que c'est vraiment sans cœur que tu manges des muffins, dans ces circonstances.

Algernon. Quand je suis en difficulté, manger est la seule chose qui me console. En effet, quand je suis vraiment en grande difficulté, comme quiconque qui me connaît de façon intime te le dirait, je refuse tout sauf la nourriture et les boissons. À l'heure actuelle, je mange des muffins parce que je suis malheureux. De plus, j'aime particulièrement les muffins. [Il se lève.]

Jack. [Il se lève.] Eh bien, ce n'est pas une raison pour les manger tous aussi goulûment. [Il prend les muffins d'Algernon.] Algernon. [Il offre une petite brioche.] Je voulais que tu prennes plutôt de la brioche. Je n'aime pas la brioche.

Jack. Bonté divine ! Je suppose qu'un homme peut manger ses propres muffins dans son propre jardin.

Algernon. Mais tu viens de dire que c'était absolument sans coeur de manger des muffins.
Jack. J'ai dit que c'était absolument sans cœur de ta part de manger des muffins dans ces circonstances. C'est une chose très différente.

Algernon. Cela se peut. Mais les muffins sont les mêmes. [Il saisit le plat de muffins de Jack.] Jack. Algy, je voudrais bien que tu partes.

Algernon. Tu ne peux pas me demander de partir sans dîner. C'est absurde. Je ne pars jamais sans avoir dîné. Personne n'agit jamais ainsi, sauf les végétariens et les gens de cette sorte. De plus, je viens juste de prendre des dispositions avec le révérend Chasuble pour être baptisé sous le nom de Constant à six heures moins le quart.

Jack. Mon cher ami, au plus tôt tu renonceras à cette absurdité, au mieux ce sera. J'ai pris des dispositions ce matin avec le révérend Chasuble pour être baptisé à cinq heures et demie, et je vais naturellement prendre le nom de Constant. Gwendolen le souhaiterait. Nous ne pouvons être tous les deux baptisés Constant. C'est absurde. D'ailleurs, j'ai parfaitement le droit de me faire baptiser, si j'en ai envie. Il n'y a aucune preuve que j'aie jamais été baptisé par qui que ce soit. Je penserais qu'il est extrêmement probable que je ne l'ai jamais été, et le Révérend Chasuble aussi. C'est tout à fait différent dans ton cas. Tu as déjà été baptisé.

Algernon. Oui, mais je n'ai pas été baptisé depuis des années.

Jack. Oui, mais tu as été baptisé. C'est ce qui importe.

Algernon. Exactement. Je sais donc que ma constitution peut le supporter. Si tu n'es pas tout à fait sûr d'avoir jamais été baptisé, je dois dire que je pense que c'est plutôt dangereux de t'y aventurer maintenant. Cela pourrait te rendre très malade. Tu peux difficilement avoir oublié que quelqu'un de très étroitement lié à toi a été presque emporté cette semaine à Paris par un sérieux refroidissement.

Jack. Oui, mais tu as dit toi même qu'un gros refroidissement n'était pas héréditaire.

Algernon. Ce n'était pas le cas, je le sais, mais j'ose dire que ce l'est maintenant. La science fait toujours de merveilleuses améliorations dans ces domaines.

Jack. [Il prend le plat de muffin.] Oh, c'est n'importe quoi, tu n'arrêtes pas de dire des bêtises.

Algernon. Jack, tu as repris des muffins ! Je souhaite que tu ne le fasses pas. Il n'en reste que deux. [Il les prend.] Je t'ai dit que j'aimais particulièrement les muffins.

Jack. Mais je déteste la brioche.

Algernon. Pourquoi diable permets-tu que des brioches soient servies à tes invités ? Quelles idées tu as de l'hospitalité !

Jack. Algernon ! Je t'ai déjà dit de partir. Je ne te veux pas ici. Pourquoi ne t'en vas-tu pas !

Algernon. Je n'ai pas encore fini mon thé ! et il reste un muffin. [Jack gémit et s'enfonce dans un fauteuil. Algernon continue de manger.]

RIDEAU
unit 1
The Project Gutenberg eBook.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 2
The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde-Act II.
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unit 3
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.
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unit 5
Title: The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
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unit 6
Author: Oscar Wilde.
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unit 7
Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].
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unit 8
Language: English.
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unit 9
Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.
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unit 11
THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY John Worthing, JP.
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unit 12
Algernon Moncrieff.
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unit 13
Rev.
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unit 14
Canon Chasuble, DD.
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unit 15
Merriman, Butler.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 16
Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 17
Hon.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 18
Gwendolen Fairfax.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 19
Cecily Cardew.
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unit 20
Miss Prism, Governess.
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unit 21
THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.
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unit 22
ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W. ACT II.
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unit 23
The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.
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unit 24
ACT III.
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unit 25
Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.
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unit 26
TIME: The Present.
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unit 27
SECOND ACT.
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unit 28
SCENE.
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unit 29
Garden at the Manor House.
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unit 30
A flight of grey stone steps leads up to the house.
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unit 31
The garden, an old-fashioned one, full of roses.
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unit 32
Time of year, July.
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unit 33
Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew-tree.
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unit 34
[Miss Prism discovered seated at the table.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 35
Cecily is at the back watering flowers.]
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unit 36
Miss Prism.
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unit 37
[Calling.]
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unit 38
Cecily, Cecily!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 39
Surely such a utilitarian occupation as the watering of flowers is rather Moulton’s duty than yours?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 40
Especially at a moment when intellectual pleasures await you.
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unit 41
Your German grammar is on the table.
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unit 42
Pray open it at page fifteen.
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unit 43
We will repeat yesterday’s lesson.
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unit 44
Cecily.
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unit 45
[Coming over very slowly.]
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unit 46
But I don’t like German.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 11 months ago
unit 47
It isn’t at all a becoming language.
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unit 48
I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson.
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unit 49
Miss Prism.
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unit 50
Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should improve yourself in every way.
2 Translations, 5 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 51
He laid particular stress on your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday.
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unit 52
Indeed, he always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for town.
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unit 53
Cecily.
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unit 54
Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious!
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unit 55
Sometimes he is so serious that I think he cannot be quite well.
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unit 56
Miss Prism.
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unit 57
[Drawing herself up.]
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unit 59
I know no one who has a higher sense of duty and responsibility.
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unit 60
Cecily.
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unit 61
I suppose that is why he often looks a little bored when we three are together.
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unit 62
Miss Prism.
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unit 63
Cecily!
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unit 64
I am surprised at you.
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unit 65
Mr. Worthing has many troubles in his life.
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unit 66
Idle merriment and triviality would be out of place in his conversation.
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unit 67
You must remember his constant anxiety about that unfortunate young man his brother.
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unit 68
Cecily.
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unit 69
I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his brother, to come down here sometimes.
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unit 70
We might have a good influence over him, Miss Prism.
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unit 71
I am sure you certainly would.
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unit 72
You know German, and geology, and things of that kind influence a man very much.
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unit 73
[Cecily begins to write in her diary.]
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unit 74
Miss Prism.
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unit 75
[Shaking her head.]
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unit 77
Indeed I am not sure that I would desire to reclaim him.
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unit 78
unit 79
As a man sows so let him reap.
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unit 80
You must put away your diary, Cecily.
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unit 81
I really don’t see why you should keep a diary at all.
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unit 82
Cecily.
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unit 83
I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life.
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unit 84
If I didn’t write them down, I should probably forget all about them.
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unit 85
Miss Prism.
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unit 86
Memory, my dear Cecily, is the diary that we all carry about with us.
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unit 87
Cecily.
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unit 88
unit 89
I believe that Memory is responsible for nearly all the three-volume novels that Mudie sends us.
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unit 90
Miss Prism.
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unit 91
Do not speak slightingly of the three-volume novel, Cecily.
2 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 92
I wrote one myself in earlier days.
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unit 93
Cecily.
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unit 94
Did you really, Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 95
How wonderfully clever you are!
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unit 96
I hope it did not end happily?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 97
I don’t like novels that end happily.
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unit 98
They depress me so much.
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unit 99
Miss Prism.
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unit 100
The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily.
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unit 101
That is what Fiction means.
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unit 102
Cecily.
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unit 103
I suppose so.
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unit 104
But it seems very unfair.
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unit 105
And was your novel ever published?
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unit 106
Miss Prism.
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unit 107
Alas!
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unit 108
no.
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unit 109
The manuscript unfortunately was abandoned.
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unit 110
[Cecily starts.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 111
I use the word in the sense of lost or mislaid.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 112
To your work, child, these speculations are profitless.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 113
Cecily.
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unit 114
[Smiling.]
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unit 115
But I see dear Dr. Chasuble coming up through the garden.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 116
Miss Prism.
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unit 117
[Rising and advancing.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 118
Dr. Chasuble!
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 119
This is indeed a pleasure.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 120
[Enter Canon Chasuble.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 121
Chasuble.
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unit 122
And how are we this morning?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 123
Miss Prism, you are, I trust, well?
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 124
Cecily.
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unit 125
Miss Prism has just been complaining of a slight headache.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 126
I think it would do her so much good to have a short stroll with you in the Park, Dr. Chasuble.
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unit 127
Miss Prism.
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unit 128
Cecily, I have not mentioned anything about a headache.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 129
Cecily.
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unit 130
No, dear Miss Prism, I know that, but I felt instinctively that you had a headache.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 131
Indeed I was thinking about that, and not about my German lesson, when the Rector came in.
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unit 132
Chasuble.
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unit 133
I hope, Cecily, you are not inattentive.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 134
Cecily.
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unit 135
Oh, I am afraid I am.
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unit 136
Chasuble.
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unit 137
That is strange.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 138
Were I fortunate enough to be Miss Prism’s pupil, I would hang upon her lips.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 139
[Miss Prism glares.]
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unit 140
I spoke metaphorically.—My metaphor was drawn from bees.
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unit 141
Ahem!
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unit 142
Mr. Worthing, I suppose, has not returned from town yet?
3 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 143
Miss Prism.
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unit 144
We do not expect him till Monday afternoon.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 145
Chasuble.
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unit 146
Ah yes, he usually likes to spend his Sunday in London.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 148
But I must not disturb Egeria and her pupil any longer.
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unit 149
Miss Prism.
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unit 150
Egeria?
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unit 151
My name is Lætitia, Doctor.
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unit 152
Chasuble.
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unit 153
[Bowing.]
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unit 154
A classical allusion merely, drawn from the Pagan authors.
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unit 155
I shall see you both no doubt at Evensong?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 156
Miss Prism.
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unit 157
I think, dear Doctor, I will have a stroll with you.
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unit 158
I find I have a headache after all, and a walk might do it good.
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unit 159
Chasuble.
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unit 160
With pleasure, Miss Prism, with pleasure.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 161
We might go as far as the schools and back.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 162
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 163
That would be delightful.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 164
Cecily, you will read your Political Economy in my absence.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 165
The chapter on the Fall of the Rupee you may omit.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 166
It is somewhat too sensational.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 167
Even these metallic problems have their melodramatic side.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 168
[Goes down the garden with Dr.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 169
Chasuble.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 170
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 171
[Picks up books and throws them back on table.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 172
Horrid Political Economy!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 173
Horrid Geography!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 174
Horrid, horrid German!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 175
[Enter Merriman with a card on a salver.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 176
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 177
Mr. Ernest Worthing has just driven over from the station.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 178
He has brought his luggage with him.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 179
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 180
[Takes the card and reads it.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 181
‘Mr.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 182
Ernest Worthing, B.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 183
4, The Albany, W.’ Uncle Jack’s brother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 184
Did you tell him Mr. Worthing was in town?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 185
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 186
Yes, Miss.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 187
He seemed very much disappointed.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 188
I mentioned that you and Miss Prism were in the garden.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 189
He said he was anxious to speak to you privately for a moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 190
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 191
Ask Mr. Ernest Worthing to come here.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 192
I suppose you had better talk to the housekeeper about a room for him.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 193
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 194
Yes, Miss.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 195
[Merriman goes off.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 196
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 197
I have never met any really wicked person before.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 198
I feel rather frightened.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 199
I am so afraid he will look just like every one else.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 200
[Enter Algernon, very gay and debonnair.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 201
He does!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 202
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 203
[Raising his hat.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 204
You are my little cousin Cecily, I’m sure.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 205
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 206
You are under some strange mistake.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 207
I am not little.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 208
In fact, I believe I am more than usually tall for my age.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 209
[Algernon is rather taken aback.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 210
But I am your cousin Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 211
You, I see from your card, are Uncle Jack’s brother, my cousin Ernest, my wicked cousin Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 212
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 213
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 214
I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 215
You mustn’t think that I am wicked.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 216
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 217
If you are not, then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very inexcusable manner.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 218
unit 219
That would be hypocrisy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 220
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 221
[Looks at her in amazement.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 222
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 223
Of course I have been rather reckless.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 224
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 225
I am glad to hear it.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 226
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 227
In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 228
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 229
I don’t think you should be so proud of that, though I am sure it must have been very pleasant.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 230
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 231
It is much pleasanter being here with you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 232
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 233
I can’t understand how you are here at all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 234
Uncle Jack won’t be back till Monday afternoon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 235
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 236
That is a great disappointment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 237
I am obliged to go up by the first train on Monday morning.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 238
I have a business appointment that I am anxious .
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 239
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 240
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 241
to miss?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 242
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 243
Couldn’t you miss it anywhere but in London?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 244
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 245
No: the appointment is in London.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 246
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 248
I know he wants to speak to you about your emigrating.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 249
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 250
About my what?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 251
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 252
Your emigrating.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 253
He has gone up to buy your outfit.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 254
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 255
I certainly wouldn’t let Jack buy my outfit.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 256
He has no taste in neckties at all.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 257
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 258
I don’t think you will require neckties.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 259
Uncle Jack is sending you to Australia.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 260
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 261
Australia!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 262
I’d sooner die.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 263
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 265
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 266
Oh, well!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 267
The accounts I have received of Australia and the next world, are not particularly encouraging.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 268
This world is good enough for me, cousin Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 269
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 270
Yes, but are you good enough for it?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 271
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 272
I’m afraid I’m not that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 273
That is why I want you to reform me.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 274
You might make that your mission, if you don’t mind, cousin Cecily.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 275
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 276
I’m afraid I’ve no time, this afternoon.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 277
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 278
Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 279
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 280
It is rather Quixotic of you.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 281
But I think you should try.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 282
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 283
I will.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 284
I feel better already.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 285
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 286
You are looking a little worse.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 287
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 288
That is because I am hungry.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 289
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 290
How thoughtless of me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 292
Won’t you come in?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 293
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 294
Thank you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 295
Might I have a buttonhole first?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 296
I never have any appetite unless I have a buttonhole first.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 297
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 298
A Marechal Niel?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 299
[Picks up scissors.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 300
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 301
No, I’d sooner have a pink rose.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 302
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 303
Why?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 304
[Cuts a flower.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 305
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 306
Because you are like a pink rose, Cousin Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 307
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 308
I don’t think it can be right for you to talk to me like that.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 309
Miss Prism never says such things to me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 310
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 311
Then Miss Prism is a short-sighted old lady.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 312
[Cecily puts the rose in his buttonhole.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 313
You are the prettiest girl I ever saw.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 314
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 315
Miss Prism says that all good looks are a snare.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 316
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 317
They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught in.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 318
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 319
Oh, I don’t think I would care to catch a sensible man.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 320
I shouldn’t know what to talk to him about.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 321
[They pass into the house.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 322
Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble return.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 323
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 324
You are too much alone, dear Dr. Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 325
You should get married.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 326
A misanthrope I can understand—a womanthrope, never!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 327
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 328
[With a scholar’s shudder.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 329
Believe me, I do not deserve so neologistic a phrase.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 330
The precept as well as the practice of the Primitive Church was distinctly against matrimony.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 331
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 332
[Sententiously.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 333
That is obviously the reason why the Primitive Church has not lasted up to the present day.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 335
Men should be more careful; this very celibacy leads weaker vessels astray.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 336
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 337
But is a man not equally attractive when married?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 338
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 339
No married man is ever attractive except to his wife.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 340
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 341
And often, I’ve been told, not even to her.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 342
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 343
That depends on the intellectual sympathies of the woman.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 344
Maturity can always be depended on.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 345
Ripeness can be trusted.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 346
Young women are green.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 347
[Dr. Chasuble starts.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 348
I spoke horticulturally.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 349
My metaphor was drawn from fruits.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 350
But where is Cecily?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 351
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 352
Perhaps she followed us to the schools.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 353
[Enter Jack slowly from the back of the garden.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 354
He is dressed in the deepest mourning, with crape hatband and black gloves.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 355
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 356
Mr. Worthing!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 357
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 358
Mr. Worthing?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 359
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 360
This is indeed a surprise.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 361
We did not look for you till Monday afternoon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 362
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 363
[Shakes Miss Prism’s hand in a tragic manner.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 364
I have returned sooner than I expected.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 365
Dr. Chasuble, I hope you are well?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 366
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 367
Dear Mr. Worthing, I trust this garb of woe does not betoken some terrible calamity?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 368
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 369
My brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 370
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 371
More shameful debts and extravagance?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 372
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 373
Still leading his life of pleasure?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 374
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 375
[Shaking his head.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 376
Dead!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 377
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 378
Your brother Ernest dead?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 379
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 380
Quite dead.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 381
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 382
What a lesson for him!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 383
I trust he will profit by it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 384
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 385
Mr. Worthing, I offer you my sincere condolence.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 387
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 388
Poor Ernest!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 389
He had many faults, but it is a sad, sad blow.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 390
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 391
Very sad indeed.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 392
Were you with him at the end?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 393
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 394
No.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 395
He died abroad; in Paris, in fact.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 396
I had a telegram last night from the manager of the Grand Hotel.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 397
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 398
Was the cause of death mentioned?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 399
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 400
A severe chill, it seems.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 401
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 402
As a man sows, so shall he reap.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 403
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 404
[Raising his hand.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 405
Charity, dear Miss Prism, charity!
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 406
None of us are perfect.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 407
I myself am peculiarly susceptible to draughts.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 408
Will the interment take place here?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 409
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 410
No.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 411
He seems to have expressed a desire to be buried in Paris.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 412
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 413
In Paris!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 414
[Shakes his head.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 415
I fear that hardly points to any very serious state of mind at the last.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 416
unit 417
[Jack presses his hand convulsively.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 419
[All sigh.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 422
The Bishop, who was present, was much struck by some of the analogies I drew.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 423
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 424
Ah!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 425
that reminds me, you mentioned christenings I think, Dr. Chasuble?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 426
I suppose you know how to christen all right?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 427
[Dr. Chasuble looks astounded.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 428
I mean, of course, you are continually christening, aren’t you?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 429
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 430
It is, I regret to say, one of the Rector’s most constant duties in this parish.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 431
I have often spoken to the poorer classes on the subject.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 432
But they don’t seem to know what thrift is.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 433
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 434
But is there any particular infant in whom you are interested, Mr. Worthing?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 435
Your brother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 436
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 437
Oh yes.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 438
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 439
[Bitterly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 440
People who live entirely for pleasure usually are.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 441
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 442
But it is not for any child, dear Doctor.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 443
I am very fond of children.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 444
No!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 445
the fact is, I would like to be christened myself, this afternoon, if you have nothing better to do.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 446
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 447
But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 448
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 449
I don’t remember anything about it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 450
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 451
But have you any grave doubts on the subject?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 452
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 453
I certainly intend to have.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 455
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 456
Not at all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 457
The sprinkling, and, indeed, the immersion of adults is a perfectly canonical practice.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 458
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 459
Immersion!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 460
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 461
You need have no apprehensions.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 462
Sprinkling is all that is necessary, or indeed I think advisable.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 463
Our weather is so changeable.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 464
At what hour would you wish the ceremony performed?
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 465
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 466
Oh, I might trot round about five if that would suit you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 467
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 468
Perfectly, perfectly!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 469
In fact I have two similar ceremonies to perform at that time.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 470
A case of twins that occurred recently in one of the outlying cottages on your own estate.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 471
Poor Jenkins the carter, a most hard-working man.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 472
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 473
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 474
I don’t see much fun in being christened along with other babies.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 475
It would be childish.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 476
Would half-past five do?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 477
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 478
Admirably!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 479
Admirably!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 480
[Takes out watch.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 481
And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 482
I would merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 483
What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 484
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 485
This seems to me a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 486
[Enter Cecily from the house.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 487
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 488
Uncle Jack!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 489
Oh, I am pleased to see you back.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 490
But what horrid clothes you have got on!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 491
Do go and change them.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 492
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 493
Cecily!
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 494
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 495
My child!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 496
my child!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 497
[Cecily goes towards Jack; he kisses her brow in a melancholy manner.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 498
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 499
What is the matter, Uncle Jack?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 500
Do look happy!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 501
You look as if you had toothache, and I have got such a surprise for you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 502
Who do you think is in the dining-room?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 503
Your brother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 504
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 505
Who?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 506
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 507
Your brother Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 508
He arrived about half an hour ago.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 509
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 510
What nonsense!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 511
I haven’t got a brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 512
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 513
Oh, don’t say that.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 514
However badly he may have behaved to you in the past he is still your brother.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 515
You couldn’t be so heartless as to disown him.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 516
I’ll tell him to come out.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 517
And you will shake hands with him, won’t you, Uncle Jack?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 518
[Runs back into the house.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 519
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 520
These are very joyful tidings.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 521
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 522
After we had all been resigned to his loss, his sudden return seems to me peculiarly distressing.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 523
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 524
My brother is in the dining-room?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 525
I don’t know what it all means.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 526
I think it is perfectly absurd.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 527
[Enter Algernon and Cecily hand in hand.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 528
They come slowly up to Jack.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 529
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 530
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 531
[Motions Algernon away.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 532
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 534
[Jack glares at him and does not take his hand.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 535
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 536
Uncle Jack, you are not going to refuse your own brother’s hand?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 537
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 538
Nothing will induce me to take his hand.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 539
I think his coming down here disgraceful.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 540
He knows perfectly well why.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 541
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 542
Uncle Jack, do be nice.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 543
There is some good in every one.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 544
unit 546
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 547
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 548
he has been talking about Bunbury, has he?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 549
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 550
Yes, he has told me all about poor Mr. Bunbury, and his terrible state of health.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 551
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 552
Bunbury!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 553
Well, I won’t have him talk to you about Bunbury or about anything else.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 554
It is enough to drive one perfectly frantic.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 555
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 556
Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 557
But I must say that I think that Brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 558
unit 559
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 560
Uncle Jack, if you don’t shake hands with Ernest I will never forgive you.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 561
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 562
Never forgive me?
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 563
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 564
Never, never, never!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 565
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 566
Well, this is the last time I shall ever do it.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 567
[Shakes with Algernon and glares.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 568
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 569
It’s pleasant, is it not, to see so perfect a reconciliation?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 570
I think we might leave the two brothers together.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 571
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 572
Cecily, you will come with us.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 573
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 574
Certainly, Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 575
My little task of reconciliation is over.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 576
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 577
You have done a beautiful action to-day, dear child.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 578
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 579
We must not be premature in our judgments.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 580
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 581
I feel very happy.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 582
[They all go off except Jack and Algernon.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 583
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 584
You young scoundrel, Algy, you must get out of this place as soon as possible.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 585
I don’t allow any Bunburying here.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 586
[Enter Merriman.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 587
Merriman.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 588
I have put Mr. Ernest’s things in the room next to yours, sir.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 589
I suppose that is all right?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 590
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 591
What?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 592
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 593
Mr. Ernest’s luggage, sir.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 594
I have unpacked it and put it in the room next to your own.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 595
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 596
His luggage?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 597
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 598
Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 599
Three portmanteaus, a dressing-case, two hat-boxes, and a large luncheon-basket.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 600
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 601
I am afraid I can’t stay more than a week this time.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 602
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 603
Merriman, order the dog-cart at once.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 604
Mr. Ernest has been suddenly called back to town.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 605
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 606
Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 607
[Goes back into the house.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 608
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 609
What a fearful liar you are.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 610
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 611
I have not been called back to town at all.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 612
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 613
Yes, you have.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 614
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 615
I haven’t heard any one call me.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 616
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 617
Your duty as a gentleman calls you back.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 618
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 619
My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 620
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 621
I can quite understand that.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 622
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 623
Well, Cecily is a darling.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 624
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 625
You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 626
I don’t like it.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 627
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 628
Well, I don’t like your clothes.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 629
You look perfectly ridiculous in them.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 630
Why on earth don’t you go up and change?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 632
I call it grotesque.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 633
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 634
You are certainly not staying with me for a whole week as a guest or anything else.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 635
You have got to leave .
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 636
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 637
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 638
by the four-five train.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 639
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 640
I certainly won’t leave you so long as you are in mourning.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 641
It would be most unfriendly.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 642
If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 643
I should think it very unkind if you didn’t.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 644
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 645
Well, will you go if I change my clothes?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 646
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 647
Yes, if you are not too long.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 648
I never saw anybody take so long to dress, and with such little result.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 649
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 650
Well, at any rate, that is better than being always over-dressed as you are.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 651
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 652
If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-educated.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 653
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 654
Your vanity is ridiculous, your conduct an outrage, and your presence in my garden utterly absurd.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 655
unit 656
This Bunburying, as you call it, has not been a great success for you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 657
[Goes into the house.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 658
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 659
I think it has been a great success.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 660
I’m in love with Cecily, and that is everything.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 661
[Enter Cecily at the back of the garden.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 662
She picks up the can and begins to water the flowers.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 663
But I must see her before I go, and make arrangements for another Bunbury.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 664
Ah, there she is.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 665
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 666
Oh, I merely came back to water the roses.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 667
I thought you were with Uncle Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 668
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 669
He’s gone to order the dog-cart for me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 670
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 671
Oh, is he going to take you for a nice drive?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 672
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 673
He’s going to send me away.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 674
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 675
Then have we got to part?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 676
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 677
I am afraid so.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 678
It’s a very painful parting.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 679
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 680
It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 681
The absence of old friends one can endure with equanimity.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 682
unit 683
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 684
Thank you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 685
[Enter Merriman.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 686
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 687
The dog-cart is at the door, sir.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 688
[Algernon looks appealingly at Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 689
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 690
It can wait, Merriman for .
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 691
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 692
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 693
five minutes.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 694
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 695
Yes, Miss.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 696
[Exit Merriman.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 697
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 699
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 700
I think your frankness does you great credit, Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 701
If you will allow me, I will copy your remarks into my diary.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 702
[Goes over to table and begins writing in diary.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 703
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 704
Do you really keep a diary?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 705
I’d give anything to look at it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 706
May I?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 707
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 708
Oh no.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 709
[Puts her hand over it.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 711
When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 712
But pray, Ernest, don’t stop.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 713
I delight in taking down from dictation.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 714
I have reached ‘absolute perfection’.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 715
You can go on.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 716
I am quite ready for more.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 717
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 718
[Somewhat taken aback.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 719
Ahem!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 720
Ahem!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 721
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 722
Oh, don’t cough, Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 723
When one is dictating one should speak fluently and not cough.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 724
Besides, I don’t know how to spell a cough.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 725
[Writes as Algernon speaks.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 726
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 727
[Speaking very rapidly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 729
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 730
I don’t think that you should tell me that you love me wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 731
Hopelessly doesn’t seem to make much sense, does it?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 732
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 733
Cecily!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 734
[Enter Merriman.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 735
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 736
The dog-cart is waiting, sir.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 737
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 738
Tell it to come round next week, at the same hour.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 739
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 740
[Looks at Cecily, who makes no sign.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 741
Yes, sir.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 742
[Merriman retires.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 743
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 744
Uncle Jack would be very much annoyed if he knew you were staying on till next week, at the same hour.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 745
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 746
Oh, I don’t care about Jack.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 747
I don’t care for anybody in the whole world but you.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 748
I love you, Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 749
You will marry me, won’t you?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 750
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 751
You silly boy!
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 752
Of course.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 753
Why, we have been engaged for the last three months.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 754
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 755
For the last three months?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 756
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 757
Yes, it will be exactly three months on Thursday.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 758
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 759
But how did we become engaged?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 760
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 762
And of course a man who is much talked about is always very attractive.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 763
One feels there must be something in him, after all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 764
I daresay it was foolish of me, but I fell in love with you, Ernest.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 765
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 766
Darling!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 767
And when was the engagement actually settled?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 768
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 769
On the 14th of February last.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 772
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 773
Did I give you this?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 774
It’s very pretty, isn’t it?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 775
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 776
Yes, you’ve wonderfully good taste, Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 777
It’s the excuse I’ve always given for your leading such a bad life.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 778
And this is the box in which I keep all your dear letters.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 779
[Kneels at table, opens box, and produces letters tied up with blue ribbon.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 780
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 781
My letters!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 782
But, my own sweet Cecily, I have never written you any letters.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 783
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 784
You need hardly remind me of that, Ernest.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 785
I remember only too well that I was forced to write your letters for you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 786
I wrote always three times a week, and sometimes oftener.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 787
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 788
Oh, do let me read them, Cecily?
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 789
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 790
Oh, I couldn’t possibly.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 791
They would make you far too conceited.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 792
[Replaces box.]
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 794
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 795
But was our engagement ever broken off?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 796
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 797
Of course it was.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 798
On the 22nd of last March.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 799
You can see the entry if you like.
3 Translations, 4 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 800
[Shows diary.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 801
‘To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 802
I feel it is better to do so.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 803
The weather still continues charming.’ Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 804
But why on earth did you break it off?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 805
What had I done?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 806
I had done nothing at all.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 807
Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to hear you broke it off.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 808
Particularly when the weather was so charming.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 809
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 810
It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it hadn’t been broken off at least once.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 811
But I forgave you before the week was out.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 812
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 813
[Crossing to her, and kneeling.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 814
What a perfect angel you are, Cecily.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 815
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 816
You dear romantic boy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 817
[He kisses her, she puts her fingers through his hair.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 818
I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 819
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 820
Yes, darling, with a little help from others.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 821
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 822
I am so glad.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 823
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 824
You’ll never break off our engagement again, Cecily?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 825
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 826
I don’t think I could break it off now that I have actually met you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 827
Besides, of course, there is the question of your name.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 828
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 829
Yes, of course.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 830
[Nervously.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 831
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 833
[Algernon rises, Cecily also.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 834
There is something in that name that seems to inspire absolute confidence.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 835
I pity any poor married woman whose husband is not called Ernest.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 836
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 837
But, my dear child, do you mean to say you could not love me if I had some other name?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 838
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 839
But what name?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 840
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 841
Oh, any name you like—Algernon—for instance .
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 842
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 843
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 844
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 845
But I don’t like the name of Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 846
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 848
It is not at all a bad name.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 849
In fact, it is rather an aristocratic name.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 850
Half of the chaps who get into the Bankruptcy Court are called Algernon.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 851
But seriously, Cecily .
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 852
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 853
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 854
[Moving to her] .
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 855
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 856
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 857
if my name was Algy, couldn’t you love me?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 858
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 859
[Rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 861
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 862
Ahem!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 863
Cecily!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 864
[Picking up hat.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 866
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 867
Oh, yes.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 868
Dr. Chasuble is a most learned man.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 869
He has never written a single book, so you can imagine how much he knows.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 870
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 871
I must see him at once on a most important christening—I mean on most important business.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 872
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 873
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 874
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 875
I shan’t be away more than half an hour.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 876
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 878
Couldn’t you make it twenty minutes?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 879
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 880
I’ll be back in no time.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 881
[Kisses her and rushes down the garden.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 882
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 883
What an impetuous boy he is!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 884
I like his hair so much.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 885
I must enter his proposal in my diary.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 886
[Enter Merriman.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 887
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 888
A Miss Fairfax has just called to see Mr. Worthing.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 889
On very important business, Miss Fairfax states.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 890
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 891
Isn’t Mr. Worthing in his library?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 892
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 893
Mr. Worthing went over in the direction of the Rectory some time ago.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 894
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 895
Pray ask the lady to come out here; Mr. Worthing is sure to be back soon.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 896
And you can bring tea.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 897
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 898
Yes, Miss.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 899
[Goes out.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 900
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 901
Miss Fairfax!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 903
I don’t quite like women who are interested in philanthropic work.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 904
I think it is so forward of them.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 905
[Enter Merriman.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 906
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 907
Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 908
[Enter Gwendolen.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 909
[Exit Merriman.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 910
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 911
[Advancing to meet her.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 912
Pray let me introduce myself to you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 913
My name is Cecily Cardew.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 914
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 915
Cecily Cardew?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 916
[Moving to her and shaking hands.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 917
What a very sweet name!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 918
Something tells me that we are going to be great friends.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 919
I like you already more than I can say.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 920
My first impressions of people are never wrong.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 921
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 922
How nice of you to like me so much after we have known each other such a comparatively short time.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 923
Pray sit down.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 924
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 925
[Still standing up.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 926
I may call you Cecily, may I not?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 927
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 928
With pleasure!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 929
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 930
And you will always call me Gwendolen, won’t you?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 931
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 932
If you wish.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 933
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 934
Then that is all quite settled, is it not?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 935
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 936
I hope so.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 937
[A pause.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 938
They both sit down together.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 939
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 940
Perhaps this might be a favourable opportunity for my mentioning who I am.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 941
My father is Lord Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 942
You have never heard of papa, I suppose?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 943
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 944
I don’t think so.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 945
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 946
Outside the family circle, papa, I am glad to say, is entirely unknown.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 947
I think that is quite as it should be.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 948
The home seems to me to be the proper sphere for the man.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 949
unit 950
And I don’t like that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 951
It makes men so very attractive.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 953
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 954
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 955
not at all, Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 956
I am very fond of being looked at.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 957
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 958
[After examining Cecily carefully through a lorgnette.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 959
You are here on a short visit, I suppose.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 960
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 961
Oh no!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 962
I live here.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 963
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 964
[Severely.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 965
Really?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 966
Your mother, no doubt, or some female relative of advanced years, resides here also?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 967
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 968
Oh no!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 969
I have no mother, nor, in fact, any relations.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 970
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 971
Indeed?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 972
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 973
My dear guardian, with the assistance of Miss Prism, has the arduous task of looking after me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 974
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 975
Your guardian?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 976
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 977
Yes, I am Mr. Worthing’s ward.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 978
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 979
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 980
It is strange he never mentioned to me that he had a ward.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 981
How secretive of him!
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 982
He grows more interesting hourly.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 983
I am not sure, however, that the news inspires me with feelings of unmixed delight.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 984
[Rising and going to her.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 985
I am very fond of you, Cecily; I have liked you ever since I met you!
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 987
In fact, if I may speak candidly— Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 988
Pray do!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 989
I think that whenever one has anything unpleasant to say, one should always be quite candid.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 990
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 992
Ernest has a strong upright nature.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 993
He is the very soul of truth and honour.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 994
Disloyalty would be as impossible to him as deception.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 996
Modern, no less than Ancient History, supplies us with many most painful examples of what I refer to.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 997
If it were not so, indeed, History would be quite unreadable.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 998
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 999
I beg your pardon, Gwendolen, did you say Ernest?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1000
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1001
Yes.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1002
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1003
Oh, but it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is my guardian.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1004
It is his brother—his elder brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1005
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1006
[Sitting down again.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1007
Ernest never mentioned to me that he had a brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1008
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1009
I am sorry to say they have not been on good terms for a long time.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1010
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1011
Ah!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1012
that accounts for it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1013
And now that I think of it I have never heard any man mention his brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1014
The subject seems distasteful to most men.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1015
Cecily, you have lifted a load from my mind.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1016
I was growing almost anxious.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1017
It would have been terrible if any cloud had come across a friendship like ours, would it not?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1018
Of course you are quite, quite sure that it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is your guardian?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1019
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1020
Quite sure.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1021
[A pause.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1022
In fact, I am going to be his.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1023
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1024
[Inquiringly.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1025
I beg your pardon?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1026
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1027
[Rather shy and confidingly.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1028
Dearest Gwendolen, there is no reason why I should make a secret of it to you.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1029
Our little county newspaper is sure to chronicle the fact next week.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1030
Mr. Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1031
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1032
[Quite politely, rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1033
My darling Cecily, I think there must be some slight error.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1034
Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1035
The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1036
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1037
[Very politely, rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1038
I am afraid you must be under some misconception.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1039
Ernest proposed to me exactly ten minutes ago.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1040
[Shows diary.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1041
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1042
[Examines diary through her lorgnettte carefully.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1043
It is certainly very curious, for he asked me to be his wife yesterday afternoon at 5.30.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1044
If you would care to verify the incident, pray do so.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1045
[Produces diary of her own.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1046
I never travel without my diary.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1047
One should always have something sensational to read in the train.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1048
unit 1049
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1051
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1052
[Meditatively.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1054
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1055
[Thoughtfully and sadly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1057
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1058
Do you allude to me, Miss Cardew, as an entanglement?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1059
You are presumptuous.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1060
On an occasion of this kind it becomes more than a moral duty to speak one’s mind.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1061
It becomes a pleasure.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1062
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1063
Do you suggest, Miss Fairfax, that I entrapped Ernest into an engagement?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1064
How dare you?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1065
This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1066
When I see a spade I call it a spade.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1067
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1068
[Satirically.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1069
I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1070
It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1071
[Enter Merriman, followed by the footman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1072
He carries a salver, table cloth, and plate stand.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1073
Cecily is about to retort.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1074
The presence of the servants exercises a restraining influence, under which both girls chafe.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1075
Merriman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1076
Shall I lay tea here as usual, Miss?
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1077
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1078
[Sternly, in a calm voice.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1079
Yes, as usual.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1080
[Merriman begins to clear table and lay cloth.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1081
A long pause.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1082
Cecily and Gwendolen glare at each other.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1083
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1084
Are there many interesting walks in the vicinity, Miss Cardew?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1085
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1086
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1087
yes!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1088
a great many.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1089
From the top of one of the hills quite close one can see five counties.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1090
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1091
Five counties!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1092
I don’t think I should like that; I hate crowds.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1093
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1094
[Sweetly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1095
I suppose that is why you live in town?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1096
[Gwendolen bites her lip, and beats her foot nervously with her parasol.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1097
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1098
[Looking round.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1099
Quite a well-kept garden this is, Miss Cardew.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1100
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1101
So glad you like it, Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1102
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1103
I had no idea there were any flowers in the country.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1104
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1105
Oh, flowers are as common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in London.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1106
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1107
unit 1108
The country always bores me to death.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1109
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1110
Ah!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1111
This is what the newspapers call agricultural depression, is it not?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1112
I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much from it just at present.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1113
It is almost an epidemic amongst them, I have been told.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1114
May I offer you some tea, Miss Fairfax?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1115
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1116
[With elaborate politeness.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1117
Thank you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1118
[Aside.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1119
Detestable girl!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1120
But I require tea!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1121
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1122
[Sweetly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1123
Sugar?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1124
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1125
[Superciliously.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1126
No, thank you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1127
Sugar is not fashionable any more.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1128
[Cecily looks angrily at her, takes up the tongs and puts four lumps of sugar into the cup.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1129
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1130
[Severely.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1131
Cake or bread and butter?
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1132
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1133
[In a bored manner.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1134
Bread and butter, please.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1135
Cake is rarely seen at the best houses nowadays.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1136
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1137
[Cuts a very large slice of cake, and puts it on the tray.]
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1138
Hand that to Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1139
[Merriman does so, and goes out with footman.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1140
Gwendolen drinks the tea and makes a grimace.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1141
unit 1142
Rises in indignation.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1143
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1146
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1147
[Rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1149
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1150
From the moment I saw you I distrusted you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1151
I felt that you were false and deceitful.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1152
I am never deceived in such matters.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1153
My first impressions of people are invariably right.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1154
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1155
It seems to me, Miss Fairfax, that I am trespassing on your valuable time.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1156
No doubt you have many other calls of a similar character to make in the neighbourhood.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1157
[Enter Jack.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 10 months ago
unit 1158
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1159
[Catching sight of him.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1160
Ernest!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1161
My own Ernest!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1162
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1163
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1164
Darling!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1165
[Offers to kiss her.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1166
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1167
[Draws back.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1168
A moment!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1169
May I ask if you are engaged to be married to this young lady?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1170
[Points to Cecily.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1171
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1172
[Laughing.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1173
To dear little Cecily!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1174
Of course not!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1175
What could have put such an idea into your pretty little head?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1176
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1177
Thank you.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1178
You may!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1179
[Offers her cheek.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1180
Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1181
[Very sweetly.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1182
I knew there must be some misunderstanding, Miss Fairfax.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1183
The gentleman whose arm is at present round your waist is my guardian, Mr. John Worthing.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1184
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1185
I beg your pardon?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1186
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1187
This is Uncle Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1188
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1189
[Receding.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1190
Jack!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1191
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1192
[Enter Algernon.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1193
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1194
Here is Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1195
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1196
[Goes straight over to Cecily without noticing any one else.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1197
My own love!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1198
[Offers to kiss her.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1199
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1200
[Drawing back.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1201
A moment, Ernest!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1202
May I ask you—are you engaged to be married to this young lady?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1203
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1204
[Looking round.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1205
To what young lady?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1206
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1207
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1208
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1209
Yes!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1210
to good heavens, Gwendolen, I mean to Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1211
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1212
[Laughing.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1213
Of course not!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1214
What could have put such an idea into your pretty little head?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1215
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1216
Thank you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1217
[Presenting her cheek to be kissed.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1218
You may.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1219
[Algernon kisses her.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1220
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1221
I felt there was some slight error, Miss Cardew.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1222
The gentleman who is now embracing you is my cousin, Mr. Algernon Moncrieff.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1223
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1224
[Breaking away from Algernon.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1225
Algernon Moncrieff!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1226
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1227
unit 1228
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1229
Are you called Algernon?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1230
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1231
I cannot deny it.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1232
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1233
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1234
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1235
Is your name really John?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1236
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1237
[Standing rather proudly.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1238
I could deny it if I liked.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1239
I could deny anything if I liked.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1240
But my name certainly is John.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1241
It has been John for years.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1242
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1243
[To Gwendolen.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1244
A gross deception has been practised on both of us.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1245
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1246
My poor wounded Cecily!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1247
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1248
My sweet wronged Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1249
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1250
[Slowly and seriously.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1251
You will call me sister, will you not?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1252
[They embrace.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1253
Jack and Algernon groan and walk up and down.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1254
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1255
[Rather brightly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1256
There is just one question I would like to be allowed to ask my guardian.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1257
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1258
An admirable idea!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1259
Mr. Worthing, there is just one question I would like to be permitted to put to you.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1260
Where is your brother Ernest?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1262
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1263
[Slowly and hesitatingly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1264
Gwendolen—Cecily—it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1266
However, I will tell you quite frankly that I have no brother Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1267
I have no brother at all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1269
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1270
[Surprised.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1271
No brother at all?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1272
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1273
[Cheerily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1274
None!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1275
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1276
[Severely.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1277
Had you never a brother of any kind?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1278
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1279
[Pleasantly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1280
Never.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1281
Not even of any kind.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1282
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1283
I am afraid it is quite clear, Cecily, that neither of us is engaged to be married to any one.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1284
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1285
It is not a very pleasant position for a young girl suddenly to find herself in.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1286
Is it?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1287
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1288
Let us go into the house.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1289
They will hardly venture to come after us there.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1290
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1291
No, men are so cowardly, aren’t they?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1292
[They retire into the house with scornful looks.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1293
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1294
This ghastly state of things is what you call Bunburying, I suppose?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1295
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1296
Yes, and a perfectly wonderful Bunbury it is.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1297
The most wonderful Bunbury I have ever had in my life.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1298
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1299
Well, you’ve no right whatsoever to Bunbury here.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1300
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1301
That is absurd.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1302
One has a right to Bunbury anywhere one chooses.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1303
Every serious Bunburyist knows that.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1304
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1305
Serious Bunburyist!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1306
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1307
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1308
Well, one must be serious about something, if one wants to have any amusement in life.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1309
I happen to be serious about Bunburying.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1310
What on earth you are serious about I haven’t got the remotest idea.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1311
About everything, I should fancy.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1312
You have such an absolutely trivial nature.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1313
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1315
You won’t be able to run down to the country quite so often as you used to do, dear Algy.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1316
And a very good thing too.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1317
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1318
Your brother is a little off colour, isn’t he, dear Jack?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1319
You won’t be able to disappear to London quite so frequently as your wicked custom was.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1320
And not a bad thing either.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1321
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1323
To say nothing of the fact that she is my ward.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1324
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1326
To say nothing of the fact that she is my cousin.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1327
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1328
I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1329
I love her.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1330
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1331
Well, I simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1332
I adore her.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1333
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1334
There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1335
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1336
I don’t think there is much likelihood, Jack, of you and Miss Fairfax being united.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1337
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1338
Well, that is no business of yours.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1339
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1340
If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1341
[Begins to eat muffins.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1342
It is very vulgar to talk about one’s business.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1343
Only people like stock-brokers do that, and then merely at dinner parties.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1344
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1345
unit 1346
You seem to me to be perfectly heartless.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1347
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1348
Well, I can’t eat muffins in an agitated manner.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1349
The butter would probably get on my cuffs.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1350
One should always eat muffins quite calmly.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1351
It is the only way to eat them.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1352
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1353
I say it’s perfectly heartless your eating muffins at all, under the circumstances.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1354
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1355
When I am in trouble, eating is the only thing that consoles me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1357
At the present moment I am eating muffins because I am unhappy.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1358
Besides, I am particularly fond of muffins.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1359
[Rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1360
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1361
[Rising.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1362
Well, that is no reason why you should eat them all in that greedy way.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1363
[Takes muffins from Algernon.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1364
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1365
[Offering tea-cake.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1366
I wish you would have tea-cake instead.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1367
I don’t like tea-cake.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1368
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1369
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1370
I suppose a man may eat his own muffins in his own garden.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1371
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1372
But you have just said it was perfectly heartless to eat muffins.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1373
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1374
I said it was perfectly heartless of you, under the circumstances.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1375
That is a very different thing.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1376
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1377
That may be.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1378
But the muffins are the same.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1379
[He seizes the muffin-dish from Jack.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1380
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1381
Algy, I wish to goodness you would go.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1382
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1383
You can’t possibly ask me to go without having some dinner.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1384
It’s absurd.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1385
I never go without my dinner.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1386
No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1388
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1389
My dear fellow, the sooner you give up that nonsense the better.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1391
Gwendolen would wish it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1392
We can’t both be christened Ernest.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1393
It’s absurd.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1394
Besides, I have a perfect right to be christened if I like.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1395
There is no evidence at all that I have ever been christened by anybody.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1396
I should think it extremely probable I never was, and so does Dr. Chasuble.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1397
It is entirely different in your case.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1398
You have been christened already.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1399
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1400
Yes, but I have not been christened for years.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1401
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1402
Yes, but you have been christened.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1403
That is the important thing.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1404
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1405
Quite so.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1406
So I know my constitution can stand it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1408
It might make you very unwell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1410
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1411
Yes, but you said yourself that a severe chill was not hereditary.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1412
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1413
It usen’t to be, I know—but I daresay it is now.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1414
Science is always making wonderful improvements in things.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1415
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1416
[Picking up the muffin-dish.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1417
Oh, that is nonsense; you are always talking nonsense.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1418
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1419
Jack, you are at the muffins again!
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1420
I wish you wouldn’t.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1421
There are only two left.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1422
[Takes them.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1423
I told you I was particularly fond of muffins.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1424
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1425
But I hate tea-cake.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1426
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1427
Why on earth then do you allow tea-cake to be served up for your guests?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 1428
What ideas you have of hospitality!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1429
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1430
Algernon!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1431
I have already told you to go.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1432
I don’t want you here.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1433
Why don’t you go!
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1434
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1435
I haven’t quite finished my tea yet!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1436
and there is still one muffin left.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1437
[Jack groans, and sinks into a chair.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1438
Algernon still continues eating.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 1439
ACT DROP
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago

Oh sorry..it is French ;-)

by anitafunny 7 years, 11 months ago

Hatten wir das nicht schon zum Teil übersetzt?

by anitafunny 7 years, 11 months ago

The Project Gutenberg eBook.

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde-Act II.

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org.

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.

Author: Oscar Wilde.

Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].

Language: English.
Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.

Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm

The Importance of Being Earnest
A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY
John Worthing, JP.
Algernon Moncrieff.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, DD.
Merriman, Butler.
Lane, Manservant
Lady Bracknell.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax.
Cecily Cardew.
Miss Prism, Governess.

THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.
ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W.
ACT II. The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.
ACT III. Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.

TIME: The Present.

SECOND ACT.

SCENE. Garden at the Manor House. A flight of grey stone steps leads up to the house. The garden, an old-fashioned one, full of roses. Time of year, July. Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew-tree.

[Miss Prism discovered seated at the table. Cecily is at the back watering flowers.]

Miss Prism. [Calling.] Cecily, Cecily! Surely such a utilitarian occupation as the watering of flowers is rather Moulton’s duty than yours? Especially at a moment when intellectual pleasures await you. Your German grammar is on the table. Pray open it at page fifteen. We will repeat yesterday’s lesson.

Cecily. [Coming over very slowly.] But I don’t like German. It isn’t at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson.

Miss Prism. Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed, he always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for town.

Cecily. Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious! Sometimes he is so serious that I think he cannot be quite well.
Miss Prism. [Drawing herself up.] Your guardian enjoys the best of health, and his gravity of demeanour is especially to be commended in one so comparatively young as he is. I know no one who has a higher sense of duty and responsibility.

Cecily. I suppose that is why he often looks a little bored when we three are together.

Miss Prism. Cecily! I am surprised at you. Mr. Worthing has many troubles in his life. Idle merriment and triviality would be out of place in his conversation. You must remember his constant anxiety about that unfortunate young man his brother.

Cecily. I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his brother, to come down here sometimes. We might have a good influence over him, Miss Prism. I am sure you certainly would. You know German, and geology, and things of that kind influence a man very much. [Cecily begins to write in her diary.]
Miss Prism. [Shaking her head.] I do not think that even I could produce any effect on a character that according to his own brother’s admission is irretrievably weak and vacillating. Indeed I am not sure that I would desire to reclaim him. I am not in favour of this modern mania for turning bad people into good people at a moment’s notice. As a man sows so let him reap. You must put away your diary, Cecily. I really don’t see why you should keep a diary at all.

Cecily. I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life. If I didn’t write them down, I should probably forget all about them.
Miss Prism. Memory, my dear Cecily, is the diary that we all carry about with us.

Cecily. Yes, but it usually chronicles the things that have never happened, and couldn’t possibly have happened. I believe that Memory is responsible for nearly all the three-volume novels that Mudie sends us.

Miss Prism. Do not speak slightingly of the three-volume novel, Cecily. I wrote one myself in earlier days.

Cecily. Did you really, Miss Prism? How wonderfully clever you are! I hope it did not end happily? I don’t like novels that end happily. They depress me so much.

Miss Prism. The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means.

Cecily. I suppose so. But it seems very unfair. And was your novel ever published?

Miss Prism. Alas! no. The manuscript unfortunately was abandoned. [Cecily starts.] I use the word in the sense of lost or mislaid. To your work, child, these speculations are profitless.

Cecily. [Smiling.] But I see dear Dr. Chasuble coming up through the garden.

Miss Prism. [Rising and advancing.]

Dr. Chasuble! This is indeed a pleasure. [Enter Canon Chasuble.]

Chasuble. And how are we this morning? Miss Prism, you are, I trust, well?

Cecily. Miss Prism has just been complaining of a slight headache. I think it would do her so much good to have a short stroll with you in the Park, Dr. Chasuble.

Miss Prism. Cecily, I have not mentioned anything about a headache.
Cecily. No, dear Miss Prism, I know that, but I felt instinctively that you had a headache. Indeed I was thinking about that, and not about my German lesson, when the Rector came in.
Chasuble. I hope, Cecily, you are not inattentive.

Cecily. Oh, I am afraid I am.

Chasuble. That is strange. Were I fortunate enough to be Miss Prism’s pupil, I would hang upon her lips. [Miss Prism glares.] I spoke metaphorically.—My metaphor was drawn from bees. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, I suppose, has not returned from town yet?

Miss Prism. We do not expect him till Monday afternoon.

Chasuble. Ah yes, he usually likes to spend his Sunday in London. He is not one of those whose sole aim is enjoyment, as, by all accounts, that unfortunate young man his brother seems to be. But I must not disturb Egeria and her pupil any longer.

Miss Prism. Egeria? My name is Lætitia, Doctor.

Chasuble. [Bowing.] A classical allusion merely, drawn from the Pagan authors. I shall see you both no doubt at Evensong?

Miss Prism. I think, dear Doctor, I will have a stroll with you. I find I have a headache after all, and a walk might do it good.

Chasuble. With pleasure, Miss Prism, with pleasure. We might go as far as the schools and back.

Miss Prism. That would be delightful. Cecily, you will read your Political Economy in my absence. The chapter on the Fall of the Rupee you may omit. It is somewhat too sensational. Even these metallic problems have their melodramatic side. [Goes down the garden with Dr. Chasuble.]

Cecily. [Picks up books and throws them back on table.] Horrid Political Economy! Horrid Geography! Horrid, horrid German! [Enter Merriman with a card on a salver.]

Merriman. Mr. Ernest Worthing has just driven over from the station. He has brought his luggage with him.

Cecily. [Takes the card and reads it.] ‘Mr. Ernest Worthing, B. 4, The Albany, W.’ Uncle Jack’s brother! Did you tell him Mr. Worthing was in town?

Merriman. Yes, Miss. He seemed very much disappointed. I mentioned that you and Miss Prism were in the garden. He said he was anxious to speak to you privately for a moment.

Cecily. Ask Mr. Ernest Worthing to come here. I suppose you had better talk to the housekeeper about a room for him.

Merriman. Yes, Miss. [Merriman goes off.]

Cecily. I have never met any really wicked person before. I feel rather frightened. I am so afraid he will look just like every one else.

[Enter Algernon, very gay and debonnair.] He does!

Algernon. [Raising his hat.] You are my little cousin Cecily, I’m sure.
Cecily. You are under some strange mistake. I am not little. In fact, I believe I am more than usually tall for my age. [Algernon is rather taken aback.] But I am your cousin Cecily. You, I see from your card, are Uncle Jack’s brother, my cousin Ernest, my wicked cousin Ernest.

Algernon. Oh! I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily. You mustn’t think that I am wicked.

Cecily. If you are not, then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very inexcusable manner. I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.

Algernon. [Looks at her in amazement.] Oh! Of course I have been rather reckless.

Cecily. I am glad to hear it.

Algernon. In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way.

Cecily. I don’t think you should be so proud of that, though I am sure it must have been very pleasant.

Algernon. It is much pleasanter being here with you.

Cecily. I can’t understand how you are here at all. Uncle Jack won’t be back till Monday afternoon.

Algernon. That is a great disappointment. I am obliged to go up by the first train on Monday morning. I have a business appointment that I am anxious . . . to miss?

Cecily. Couldn’t you miss it anywhere but in London?

Algernon. No: the appointment is in London.

Cecily. Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a business engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the beauty of life, but still I think you had better wait till Uncle Jack arrives. I know he wants to speak to you about your emigrating.

Algernon. About my what?

Cecily. Your emigrating. He has gone up to buy your outfit.

Algernon. I certainly wouldn’t let Jack buy my outfit. He has no taste in neckties at all.

Cecily. I don’t think you will require neckties. Uncle Jack is sending you to Australia.

Algernon. Australia! I’d sooner die.
Cecily. Well, he said at dinner on Wednesday night, that you would have to choose between this world, the next world, and Australia.

Algernon. Oh, well! The accounts I have received of Australia and the next world, are not particularly encouraging. This world is good enough for me, cousin Cecily.

Cecily. Yes, but are you good enough for it?

Algernon. I’m afraid I’m not that. That is why I want you to reform me. You might make that your mission, if you don’t mind, cousin Cecily.

Cecily. I’m afraid I’ve no time, this afternoon.

Algernon. Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon?

Cecily. It is rather Quixotic of you. But I think you should try.

Algernon. I will. I feel better already.

Cecily. You are looking a little worse.

Algernon. That is because I am hungry.

Cecily. How thoughtless of me. I should have remembered that when one is going to lead an entirely new life, one requires regular and wholesome meals. Won’t you come in?

Algernon. Thank you. Might I have a buttonhole first? I never have any appetite unless I have a buttonhole first.

Cecily. A Marechal Niel? [Picks up scissors.]

Algernon. No, I’d sooner have a pink rose.

Cecily. Why? [Cuts a flower.]

Algernon. Because you are like a pink rose, Cousin Cecily.

Cecily. I don’t think it can be right for you to talk to me like that. Miss Prism never says such things to me.

Algernon. Then Miss Prism is a short-sighted old lady. [Cecily puts the rose in his buttonhole.] You are the prettiest girl I ever saw.

Cecily. Miss Prism says that all good looks are a snare.

Algernon. They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught in.

Cecily. Oh, I don’t think I would care to catch a sensible man. I shouldn’t know what to talk to him about.
[They pass into the house. Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble return.]

Miss Prism. You are too much alone, dear Dr. Chasuble. You should get married. A misanthrope I can understand—a womanthrope, never!
Chasuble. [With a scholar’s shudder.] Believe me, I do not deserve so neologistic a phrase. The precept as well as the practice of the Primitive Church was distinctly against matrimony.

Miss Prism. [Sententiously.] That is obviously the reason why the Primitive Church has not lasted up to the present day. And you do not seem to realise, dear Doctor, that by persistently remaining single, a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation. Men should be more careful; this very celibacy leads weaker vessels astray.

Chasuble. But is a man not equally attractive when married?

Miss Prism. No married man is ever attractive except to his wife.

Chasuble. And often, I’ve been told, not even to her.

Miss Prism. That depends on the intellectual sympathies of the woman. Maturity can always be depended on. Ripeness can be trusted. Young women are green. [Dr. Chasuble starts.] I spoke horticulturally. My metaphor was drawn from fruits. But where is Cecily?

Chasuble. Perhaps she followed us to the schools.

[Enter Jack slowly from the back of the garden. He is dressed in the deepest mourning, with crape hatband and black gloves.]

Miss Prism. Mr. Worthing!

Chasuble. Mr. Worthing?

Miss Prism. This is indeed a surprise. We did not look for you till Monday afternoon.

Jack. [Shakes Miss Prism’s hand in a tragic manner.] I have returned sooner than I expected. Dr. Chasuble, I hope you are well?

Chasuble. Dear Mr. Worthing, I trust this garb of woe does not betoken some terrible calamity?

Jack. My brother.

Miss Prism. More shameful debts and extravagance?

Chasuble. Still leading his life of pleasure?

Jack. [Shaking his head.] Dead!

Chasuble. Your brother Ernest dead?

Jack. Quite dead.

Miss Prism. What a lesson for him! I trust he will profit by it.

Chasuble. Mr. Worthing, I offer you my sincere condolence. You have at least the consolation of knowing that you were always the most generous and forgiving of brothers.

Jack. Poor Ernest! He had many faults, but it is a sad, sad blow.

Chasuble. Very sad indeed. Were you with him at the end?

Jack. No. He died abroad; in Paris, in fact. I had a telegram last night from the manager of the Grand Hotel.

Chasuble. Was the cause of death mentioned?

Jack. A severe chill, it seems.

Miss Prism. As a man sows, so shall he reap.

Chasuble. [Raising his hand.] Charity, dear Miss Prism, charity! None of us are perfect. I myself am peculiarly susceptible to draughts. Will the interment take place here?

Jack. No. He seems to have expressed a desire to be buried in Paris.

Chasuble. In Paris! [Shakes his head.] I fear that hardly points to any very serious state of mind at the last. You would no doubt wish me to make some slight allusion to this tragic domestic affliction next Sunday. [Jack presses his hand convulsively.] My sermon on the meaning of the manna in the wilderness can be adapted to almost any occasion, joyful, or, as in the present case, distressing. [All sigh.] I have preached it at harvest celebrations, christenings, confirmations, on days of humiliation and festal days. The last time I delivered it was in the Cathedral, as a charity sermon on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Discontent among the Upper Orders. The Bishop, who was present, was much struck by some of the analogies I drew.

Jack. Ah! that reminds me, you mentioned christenings I think, Dr. Chasuble? I suppose you know how to christen all right? [Dr. Chasuble looks astounded.] I mean, of course, you are continually christening, aren’t you?

Miss Prism. It is, I regret to say, one of the Rector’s most constant duties in this parish. I have often spoken to the poorer classes on the subject. But they don’t seem to know what thrift is.

Chasuble. But is there any particular infant in whom you are interested, Mr. Worthing? Your brother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not?

Jack. Oh yes.

Miss Prism. [Bitterly.] People who live entirely for pleasure usually are.

Jack. But it is not for any child, dear Doctor. I am very fond of children. No! the fact is, I would like to be christened myself, this afternoon, if you have nothing better to do.

Chasuble. But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?

Jack. I don’t remember anything about it.

Chasuble. But have you any grave doubts on the subject?

Jack. I certainly intend to have. Of course I don’t know if the thing would bother you in any way, or if you think I am a little too old now.

Chasuble. Not at all. The sprinkling, and, indeed, the immersion of adults is a perfectly canonical practice.

Jack. Immersion!

Chasuble. You need have no apprehensions. Sprinkling is all that is necessary, or indeed I think advisable. Our weather is so changeable. At what hour would you wish the ceremony performed?

Jack. Oh, I might trot round about five if that would suit you.

Chasuble. Perfectly, perfectly! In fact I have two similar ceremonies to perform at that time. A case of twins that occurred recently in one of the outlying cottages on your own estate. Poor Jenkins the carter, a most hard-working man.

Jack. Oh! I don’t see much fun in being christened along with other babies. It would be childish. Would half-past five do?

Chasuble. Admirably! Admirably! [Takes out watch.] And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow. I would merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.

Miss Prism. This seems to me a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
[Enter Cecily from the house.]

Cecily. Uncle Jack! Oh, I am pleased to see you back. But what horrid clothes you have got on! Do go and change them.

Miss Prism. Cecily!

Chasuble. My child! my child! [Cecily goes towards Jack; he kisses her brow in a melancholy manner.]

Cecily. What is the matter, Uncle Jack? Do look happy! You look as if you had toothache, and I have got such a surprise for you. Who do you think is in the dining-room? Your brother!

Jack. Who?

Cecily. Your brother Ernest. He arrived about half an hour ago.
Jack. What nonsense! I haven’t got a brother.

Cecily. Oh, don’t say that. However badly he may have behaved to you in the past he is still your brother. You couldn’t be so heartless as to disown him. I’ll tell him to come out. And you will shake hands with him, won’t you, Uncle Jack? [Runs back into the house.]

Chasuble. These are very joyful tidings.

Miss Prism. After we had all been resigned to his loss, his sudden return seems to me peculiarly distressing.
Jack. My brother is in the dining-room? I don’t know what it all means. I think it is perfectly absurd.
[Enter Algernon and Cecily hand in hand. They come slowly up to Jack.]

Jack. Good heavens! [Motions Algernon away.]

Algernon. Brother John, I have come down from town to tell you that I am very sorry for all the trouble I have given you, and that I intend to lead a better life in the future. [Jack glares at him and does not take his hand.]

Cecily. Uncle Jack, you are not going to refuse your own brother’s hand?
Jack. Nothing will induce me to take his hand. I think his coming down here disgraceful. He knows perfectly well why.

Cecily. Uncle Jack, do be nice. There is some good in every one. Ernest has just been telling me about his poor invalid friend Mr. Bunbury whom he goes to visit so often. And surely there must be much good in one who is kind to an invalid, and leaves the pleasures of London to sit by a bed of pain.

Jack. Oh! he has been talking about Bunbury, has he?

Cecily. Yes, he has told me all about poor Mr. Bunbury, and his terrible state of health.

Jack. Bunbury! Well, I won’t have him talk to you about Bunbury or about anything else. It is enough to drive one perfectly frantic.

Algernon. Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side. But I must say that I think that Brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I expected a more enthusiastic welcome, especially considering it is the first time I have come here.

Cecily. Uncle Jack, if you don’t shake hands with Ernest I will never forgive you.

Jack. Never forgive me?

Cecily. Never, never, never!

Jack. Well, this is the last time I shall ever do it. [Shakes with Algernon and glares.]

Chasuble. It’s pleasant, is it not, to see so perfect a reconciliation? I think we might leave the two brothers together.

Miss Prism. Cecily, you will come with us.

Cecily. Certainly, Miss Prism. My little task of reconciliation is over.

Chasuble. You have done a beautiful action to-day, dear child.

Miss Prism. We must not be premature in our judgments.

Cecily. I feel very happy. [They all go off except Jack and Algernon.]

Jack. You young scoundrel, Algy, you must get out of this place as soon as possible. I don’t allow any Bunburying here.

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. I have put Mr. Ernest’s things in the room next to yours, sir. I suppose that is all right?

Jack. What?

Merriman. Mr. Ernest’s luggage, sir. I have unpacked it and put it in the room next to your own.

Jack. His luggage?

Merriman. Yes, sir. Three portmanteaus, a dressing-case, two hat-boxes, and a large luncheon-basket.

Algernon. I am afraid I can’t stay more than a week this time.

Jack. Merriman, order the dog-cart at once. Mr. Ernest has been suddenly called back to town.

Merriman. Yes, sir. [Goes back into the house.]

Algernon. What a fearful liar you are.

Jack. I have not been called back to town at all.

Jack. Yes, you have.

Algernon. I haven’t heard any one call me.

Jack. Your duty as a gentleman calls you back.

Algernon. My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree.

Jack. I can quite understand that.
Algernon. Well, Cecily is a darling.

Jack. You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that. I don’t like it.

Algernon. Well, I don’t like your clothes. You look perfectly ridiculous in them. Why on earth don’t you go up and change? It is perfectly childish to be in deep mourning for a man who is actually staying for a whole week with you in your house as a guest. I call it grotesque.

Jack. You are certainly not staying with me for a whole week as a guest or anything else. You have got to leave . . . by the four-five train.

Algernon. I certainly won’t leave you so long as you are in mourning. It would be most unfriendly. If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose. I should think it very unkind if you didn’t.

Jack. Well, will you go if I change my clothes?

Algernon. Yes, if you are not too long. I never saw anybody take so long to dress, and with such little result.

Jack. Well, at any rate, that is better than being always over-dressed as you are.

Algernon. If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-educated.

Jack. Your vanity is ridiculous, your conduct an outrage, and your presence in my garden utterly absurd. However, you have got to catch the four-five, and I hope you will have a pleasant journey back to town. This Bunburying, as you call it, has not been a great success for you.
[Goes into the house.]

Algernon. I think it has been a great success. I’m in love with Cecily, and that is everything.

[Enter Cecily at the back of the garden. She picks up the can and begins to water the flowers.] But I must see her before I go, and make arrangements for another Bunbury. Ah, there she is.

Cecily. Oh, I merely came back to water the roses. I thought you were with Uncle Jack.

Algernon. He’s gone to order the dog-cart for me.

Cecily. Oh, is he going to take you for a nice drive?

Algernon. He’s going to send me away.

Cecily. Then have we got to part?

Algernon. I am afraid so. It’s a very painful parting.

Cecily. It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time. The absence of old friends one can endure with equanimity. But even a momentary separation from anyone to whom one has just been introduced is almost unbearable.

Algernon. Thank you.

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. The dog-cart is at the door, sir. [Algernon looks appealingly at Cecily.]

Cecily. It can wait, Merriman for . . . five minutes.

Merriman. Yes, Miss. [Exit Merriman.]

Algernon. I hope, Cecily, I shall not offend you if I state quite frankly and openly that you seem to me to be in every way the visible personification of absolute perfection.

Cecily. I think your frankness does you great credit, Ernest. If you will allow me, I will copy your remarks into my diary. [Goes over to table and begins writing in diary.]

Algernon. Do you really keep a diary? I’d give anything to look at it. May I?
Cecily. Oh no. [Puts her hand over it.] You see, it is simply a very young girl’s record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy. But pray, Ernest, don’t stop. I delight in taking down from dictation. I have reached ‘absolute perfection’. You can go on. I am quite ready for more.

Algernon. [Somewhat taken aback.]

Ahem! Ahem!

Cecily. Oh, don’t cough, Ernest. When one is dictating one should speak fluently and not cough. Besides, I don’t know how to spell a cough. [Writes as Algernon speaks.]

Algernon. [Speaking very rapidly.] Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly.

Cecily. I don’t think that you should tell me that you love me wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly. Hopelessly doesn’t seem to make much sense, does it?

Algernon. Cecily!

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. The dog-cart is waiting, sir.

Algernon. Tell it to come round next week, at the same hour.

Merriman. [Looks at Cecily, who makes no sign.] Yes, sir.
[Merriman retires.]

Cecily. Uncle Jack would be very much annoyed if he knew you were staying on till next week, at the same hour.

Algernon. Oh, I don’t care about Jack. I don’t care for anybody in the whole world but you. I love you, Cecily. You will marry me, won’t you?

Cecily. You silly boy! Of course. Why, we have been engaged for the last three months.

Algernon. For the last three months?

Cecily. Yes, it will be exactly three months on Thursday.

Algernon. But how did we become engaged?

Cecily. Well, ever since dear Uncle Jack first confessed to us that he had a younger brother who was very wicked and bad, you of course have formed the chief topic of conversation between myself and Miss Prism. And of course a man who is much talked about is always very attractive. One feels there must be something in him, after all. I daresay it was foolish of me, but I fell in love with you, Ernest.

Algernon. Darling! And when was the engagement actually settled?

Cecily. On the 14th of February last. Worn out by your entire ignorance of my existence, I determined to end the matter one way or the other, and after a long struggle with myself I accepted you under this dear old tree here. The next day I bought this little ring in your name, and this is the little bangle with the true lover’s knot I promised you always to wear.

Algernon. Did I give you this? It’s very pretty, isn’t it?

Cecily. Yes, you’ve wonderfully good taste, Ernest. It’s the excuse I’ve always given for your leading such a bad life. And this is the box in which I keep all your dear letters. [Kneels at table, opens box, and produces letters tied up with blue ribbon.]

Algernon. My letters! But, my own sweet Cecily, I have never written you any letters.

Cecily. You need hardly remind me of that, Ernest. I remember only too well that I was forced to write your letters for you. I wrote always three times a week, and sometimes oftener.

Algernon. Oh, do let me read them, Cecily?

Cecily. Oh, I couldn’t possibly. They would make you far too conceited. [Replaces box.] The three you wrote me after I had broken off the engagement are so beautiful, and so badly spelled, that even now I can hardly read them without crying a little.
Algernon. But was our engagement ever broken off?

Cecily. Of course it was. On the 22nd of last March. You can see the entry if you like. [Shows diary.] ‘To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest. I feel it is better to do so. The weather still continues charming.’

Algernon. But why on earth did you break it off? What had I done? I had done nothing at all. Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to hear you broke it off. Particularly when the weather was so charming.

Cecily. It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it hadn’t been broken off at least once. But I forgave you before the week was out.

Algernon. [Crossing to her, and kneeling.] What a perfect angel you are, Cecily.

Cecily. You dear romantic boy. [He kisses her, she puts her fingers through his hair.] I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?

Algernon. Yes, darling, with a little help from others.

Cecily. I am so glad.

Algernon. You’ll never break off our engagement again, Cecily?

Cecily. I don’t think I could break it off now that I have actually met you. Besides, of course, there is the question of your name.

Algernon. Yes, of course. [Nervously.]

Cecily. You must not laugh at me, darling, but it had always been a girlish dream of mine to love some one whose name was Ernest. [Algernon rises, Cecily also.] There is something in that name that seems to inspire absolute confidence. I pity any poor married woman whose husband is not called Ernest.

Algernon. But, my dear child, do you mean to say you could not love me if I had some other name?

Cecily. But what name?

Algernon. Oh, any name you like—Algernon—for instance . . .

Cecily. But I don’t like the name of Algernon.

Algernon. Well, my own dear, sweet, loving little darling, I really can’t see why you should object to the name of Algernon. It is not at all a bad name. In fact, it is rather an aristocratic name. Half of the chaps who get into the Bankruptcy Court are called Algernon. But seriously, Cecily . . . [Moving to her] . . . if my name was Algy, couldn’t you love me?

Cecily. [Rising.] I might respect you, Ernest, I might admire your character, but I fear that I should not be able to give you my undivided attention.

Algernon. Ahem! Cecily! [Picking up hat.] Your Rector here is, I suppose, thoroughly experienced in the practice of all the rites and ceremonials of the Church?

Cecily. Oh, yes. Dr. Chasuble is a most learned man. He has never written a single book, so you can imagine how much he knows.

Algernon. I must see him at once on a most important christening—I mean on most important business.

Cecily. Oh!

Algernon. I shan’t be away more than half an hour.

Cecily. Considering that we have been engaged since February the 14th, and that I only met you to-day for the first time, I think it is rather hard that you should leave me for so long a period as half an hour. Couldn’t you make it twenty minutes?

Algernon. I’ll be back in no time.
[Kisses her and rushes down the garden.]

Cecily. What an impetuous boy he is! I like his hair so much. I must enter his proposal in my diary.

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. A Miss Fairfax has just called to see Mr. Worthing. On very important business, Miss Fairfax states.

Cecily. Isn’t Mr. Worthing in his library?
Merriman. Mr. Worthing went over in the direction of the Rectory some time ago.

Cecily. Pray ask the lady to come out here; Mr. Worthing is sure to be back soon. And you can bring tea.

Merriman. Yes, Miss. [Goes out.]

Cecily. Miss Fairfax! I suppose one of the many good elderly women who are associated with Uncle Jack in some of his philanthropic work in London. I don’t quite like women who are interested in philanthropic work. I think it is so forward of them.

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. Miss Fairfax.

[Enter Gwendolen.]

[Exit Merriman.]

Cecily. [Advancing to meet her.] Pray let me introduce myself to you. My name is Cecily Cardew.

Gwendolen. Cecily Cardew? [Moving to her and shaking hands.] What a very sweet name! Something tells me that we are going to be great friends. I like you already more than I can say. My first impressions of people are never wrong.

Cecily. How nice of you to like me so much after we have known each other such a comparatively short time. Pray sit down.

Gwendolen. [Still standing up.] I may call you Cecily, may I not?

Cecily. With pleasure!

Gwendolen. And you will always call me Gwendolen, won’t you?

Cecily. If you wish.

Gwendolen. Then that is all quite settled, is it not?

Cecily. I hope so. [A pause. They both sit down together.]

Gwendolen. Perhaps this might be a favourable opportunity for my mentioning who I am. My father is Lord Bracknell. You have never heard of papa, I suppose?

Cecily. I don’t think so.

Gwendolen. Outside the family circle, papa, I am glad to say, is entirely unknown. I think that is quite as it should be. The home seems to me to be the proper sphere for the man. And certainly once a man begins to neglect his domestic duties he becomes painfully effeminate, does he not? And I don’t like that. It makes men so very attractive. Cecily, mamma, whose views on education are remarkably strict, has brought me up to be extremely short-sighted; it is part of her system; so do you mind my looking at you through my glasses?

Cecily. Oh! not at all, Gwendolen. I am very fond of being looked at.

Gwendolen. [After examining Cecily carefully through a lorgnette.] You are here on a short visit, I suppose.

Cecily. Oh no! I live here.

Gwendolen. [Severely.] Really? Your mother, no doubt, or some female relative of advanced years, resides here also?

Cecily. Oh no! I have no mother, nor, in fact, any relations.

Gwendolen. Indeed?

Cecily. My dear guardian, with the assistance of Miss Prism, has the arduous task of looking after me.
Gwendolen. Your guardian?

Cecily. Yes, I am Mr. Worthing’s ward.

Gwendolen. Oh! It is strange he never mentioned to me that he had a ward. How secretive of him! He grows more interesting hourly. I am not sure, however, that the news inspires me with feelings of unmixed delight. [Rising and going to her.] I am very fond of you, Cecily; I have liked you ever since I met you! But I am bound to state that now that I know that you are Mr. Worthing’s ward, I cannot help expressing a wish you were—well, just a little older than you seem to be—and not quite so very alluring in appearance. In fact, if I may speak candidly—

Cecily. Pray do! I think that whenever one has anything unpleasant to say, one should always be quite candid.

Gwendolen. Well, to speak with perfect candour, Cecily, I wish that you were fully forty-two, and more than usually plain for your age. Ernest has a strong upright nature. He is the very soul of truth and honour. Disloyalty would be as impossible to him as deception. But even men of the noblest possible moral character are extremely susceptible to the influence of the physical charms of others. Modern, no less than Ancient History, supplies us with many most painful examples of what I refer to. If it were not so, indeed, History would be quite unreadable.

Cecily. I beg your pardon, Gwendolen, did you say Ernest?

Gwendolen. Yes.

Cecily. Oh, but it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is my guardian. It is his brother—his elder brother.

Gwendolen. [Sitting down again.] Ernest never mentioned to me that he had a brother.

Cecily. I am sorry to say they have not been on good terms for a long time.

Gwendolen. Ah! that accounts for it. And now that I think of it I have never heard any man mention his brother. The subject seems distasteful to most men. Cecily, you have lifted a load from my mind. I was growing almost anxious. It would have been terrible if any cloud had come across a friendship like ours, would it not? Of course you are quite, quite sure that it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is your guardian?

Cecily. Quite sure. [A pause.] In fact, I am going to be his.

Gwendolen. [Inquiringly.] I beg your pardon?

Cecily. [Rather shy and confidingly.] Dearest Gwendolen, there is no reason why I should make a secret of it to you. Our little county newspaper is sure to chronicle the fact next week. Mr. Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married.

Gwendolen. [Quite politely, rising.] My darling Cecily, I think there must be some slight error. Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me. The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at the latest.

Cecily. [Very politely, rising.] I am afraid you must be under some misconception. Ernest proposed to me exactly ten minutes ago. [Shows diary.]

Gwendolen. [Examines diary through her lorgnettte carefully.] It is certainly very curious, for he asked me to be his wife yesterday afternoon at 5.30. If you would care to verify the incident, pray do so. [Produces diary of her own.] I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. I am so sorry, dear Cecily, if it is any disappointment to you, but I am afraid I have the prior claim.

Cecily. It would distress me more than I can tell you, dear Gwendolen, if it caused you any mental or physical anguish, but I feel bound to point out that since Ernest proposed to you he clearly has changed his mind.

Gwendolen. [Meditatively.] If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise I shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once, and with a firm hand.

Cecily. [Thoughtfully and sadly.] Whatever unfortunate entanglement my dear boy may have got into, I will never reproach him with it after we are married.

Gwendolen. Do you allude to me, Miss Cardew, as an entanglement? You are presumptuous. On an occasion of this kind it becomes more than a moral duty to speak one’s mind. It becomes a pleasure.

Cecily. Do you suggest, Miss Fairfax, that I entrapped Ernest into an engagement? How dare you? This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners. When I see a spade I call it a spade.

Gwendolen. [Satirically.] I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different.

[Enter Merriman, followed by the footman. He carries a salver, table cloth, and plate stand. Cecily is about to retort. The presence of the servants exercises a restraining influence, under which both girls chafe.]

Merriman. Shall I lay tea here as usual, Miss?

Cecily. [Sternly, in a calm voice.] Yes, as usual. [Merriman begins to clear table and lay cloth. A long pause. Cecily and Gwendolen glare at each other.]

Gwendolen. Are there many interesting walks in the vicinity, Miss Cardew?

Cecily. Oh! yes! a great many. From the top of one of the hills quite close one can see five counties.

Gwendolen. Five counties! I don’t think I should like that; I hate crowds.

Cecily. [Sweetly.] I suppose that is why you live in town? [Gwendolen bites her lip, and beats her foot nervously with her parasol.]

Gwendolen. [Looking round.] Quite a well-kept garden this is, Miss Cardew.

Cecily. So glad you like it, Miss Fairfax.
Gwendolen. I had no idea there were any flowers in the country.

Cecily. Oh, flowers are as common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in London.

Gwendolen. Personally I cannot understand how anybody manages to exist in the country, if anybody who is anybody does. The country always bores me to death.

Cecily. Ah! This is what the newspapers call agricultural depression, is it not? I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much from it just at present. It is almost an epidemic amongst them, I have been told. May I offer you some tea, Miss Fairfax?

Gwendolen. [With elaborate politeness.] Thank you. [Aside.] Detestable girl! But I require tea!

Cecily. [Sweetly.] Sugar?

Gwendolen. [Superciliously.] No, thank you. Sugar is not fashionable any more. [Cecily looks angrily at her, takes up the tongs and puts four lumps of sugar into the cup.]

Cecily. [Severely.] Cake or bread and butter?

Gwendolen. [In a bored manner.] Bread and butter, please. Cake is rarely seen at the best houses nowadays.

Cecily. [Cuts a very large slice of cake, and puts it on the tray.] Hand that to Miss Fairfax.

[Merriman does so, and goes out with footman. Gwendolen drinks the tea and makes a grimace. Puts down cup at once, reaches out her hand to the bread and butter, looks at it, and finds it is cake. Rises in indignation.]

Gwendolen. You have filled my tea with lumps of sugar, and though I asked most distinctly for bread and butter, you have given me cake. I am known for the gentleness of my disposition, and the extraordinary sweetness of my nature, but I warn you, Miss Cardew, you may go too far.

Cecily. [Rising.] To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations of any other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.

Gwendolen. From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt that you were false and deceitful. I am never deceived in such matters. My first impressions of people are invariably right.

Cecily. It seems to me, Miss Fairfax, that I am trespassing on your valuable time. No doubt you have many other calls of a similar character to make in the neighbourhood.

[Enter Jack.]

Gwendolen. [Catching sight of him.] Ernest! My own Ernest!

Jack. Gwendolen! Darling! [Offers to kiss her.]

Gwendolen. [Draws back.] A moment! May I ask if you are engaged to be married to this young lady? [Points to Cecily.]

Jack. [Laughing.] To dear little Cecily! Of course not! What could have put such an idea into your pretty little head?

Gwendolen. Thank you. You may! [Offers her cheek.]

Cecily. [Very sweetly.] I knew there must be some misunderstanding, Miss Fairfax. The gentleman whose arm is at present round your waist is my guardian, Mr. John Worthing.

Gwendolen. I beg your pardon?

Cecily. This is Uncle Jack.

Gwendolen. [Receding.] Jack! Oh!
[Enter Algernon.]

Cecily. Here is Ernest.

Algernon. [Goes straight over to Cecily without noticing any one else.] My own love! [Offers to kiss her.]

Cecily. [Drawing back.] A moment, Ernest! May I ask you—are you engaged to be married to this young lady?

Algernon. [Looking round.] To what young lady? Good heavens! Gwendolen!

Cecily. Yes! to good heavens, Gwendolen, I mean to Gwendolen.

Algernon. [Laughing.] Of course not! What could have put such an idea into your pretty little head?

Cecily. Thank you. [Presenting her cheek to be kissed.] You may. [Algernon kisses her.]

Gwendolen. I felt there was some slight error, Miss Cardew. The gentleman who is now embracing you is my cousin, Mr. Algernon Moncrieff.

Cecily. [Breaking away from
Algernon.] Algernon Moncrieff! Oh! [The two girls move towards each other and put their arms round each other’s waists as if for protection.]

Cecily. Are you called Algernon?

Algernon. I cannot deny it.

Cecily. Oh!

Gwendolen. Is your name really John?

Jack. [Standing rather proudly.] I could deny it if I liked. I could deny anything if I liked. But my name certainly is John. It has been John for years.

Cecily. [To Gwendolen.] A gross deception has been practised on both of us.

Gwendolen. My poor wounded Cecily!

Cecily. My sweet wronged Gwendolen!

Gwendolen. [Slowly and seriously.] You will call me sister, will you not? [They embrace. Jack and Algernon groan and walk up and down.]

Cecily. [Rather brightly.] There is just one question I would like to be allowed to ask my guardian.

Gwendolen. An admirable idea! Mr. Worthing, there is just one question I would like to be permitted to put to you. Where is your brother Ernest? We are both engaged to be married to your brother Ernest, so it is a matter of some importance to us to know where your brother Ernest is at present.

Jack. [Slowly and hesitatingly.]

Gwendolen—Cecily—it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth. It is the first time in my life that I have ever been reduced to such a painful position, and I am really quite inexperienced in doing anything of the kind. However, I will tell you quite frankly that I have no brother Ernest. I have no brother at all. I never had a brother in my life, and I certainly have not the smallest intention of ever having one in the future.

Cecily. [Surprised.] No brother at all?

Jack. [Cheerily.] None!

Gwendolen. [Severely.] Had you never a brother of any kind?

Jack. [Pleasantly.] Never. Not even of any kind.

Gwendolen. I am afraid it is quite clear, Cecily, that neither of us is engaged to be married to any one.

Cecily. It is not a very pleasant position for a young girl suddenly to find herself in. Is it?

Gwendolen. Let us go into the house. They will hardly venture to come after us there.

Cecily. No, men are so cowardly, aren’t they?

[They retire into the house with scornful looks.]

Jack. This ghastly state of things is what you call Bunburying, I suppose?

Algernon. Yes, and a perfectly wonderful Bunbury it is. The most wonderful Bunbury I have ever had in my life.

Jack. Well, you’ve no right whatsoever to Bunbury here.

Algernon. That is absurd. One has a right to Bunbury anywhere one chooses. Every serious Bunburyist knows that.

Jack. Serious Bunburyist! Good heavens!

Algernon. Well, one must be serious about something, if one wants to have any amusement in life. I happen to be serious about Bunburying. What on earth you are serious about I haven’t got the remotest idea. About everything, I should fancy. You have such an absolutely trivial nature.

Jack. Well, the only small satisfaction I have in the whole of this wretched business is that your friend Bunbury is quite exploded. You won’t be able to run down to the country quite so often as you used to do, dear Algy. And a very good thing too.

Algernon. Your brother is a little off colour, isn’t he, dear Jack? You won’t be able to disappear to London quite so frequently as your wicked custom was. And not a bad thing either.

Jack. As for your conduct towards Miss Cardew, I must say that your taking in a sweet, simple, innocent girl like that is quite inexcusable. To say nothing of the fact that she is my ward.

Algernon. I can see no possible defence at all for your deceiving a brilliant, clever, thoroughly experienced young lady like Miss Fairfax. To say nothing of the fact that she is my cousin.

Jack. I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all. I love her.

Algernon. Well, I simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily. I adore her.

Jack. There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew.

Algernon. I don’t think there is much likelihood, Jack, of you and Miss Fairfax being united.

Jack. Well, that is no business of yours.

Algernon. If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it. [Begins to eat muffins.] It is very vulgar to talk about one’s business. Only people like stock-brokers do that, and then merely at dinner parties.

Jack. How can you sit there, calmly eating muffins when we are in this horrible trouble, I can’t make out. You seem to me to be perfectly heartless.

Algernon. Well, I can’t eat muffins in an agitated manner. The butter would probably get on my cuffs. One should always eat muffins quite calmly. It is the only way to eat them.

Jack. I say it’s perfectly heartless your eating muffins at all, under the circumstances.

Algernon. When I am in trouble, eating is the only thing that consoles me. Indeed, when I am in really great trouble, as any one who knows me intimately will tell you, I refuse everything except food and drink. At the present moment I am eating muffins because I am unhappy. Besides, I am particularly fond of muffins. [Rising.]

Jack. [Rising.] Well, that is no reason why you should eat them all in that greedy way. [Takes muffins from Algernon.]

Algernon. [Offering tea-cake.] I wish you would have tea-cake instead. I don’t like tea-cake.

Jack. Good heavens! I suppose a man may eat his own muffins in his own garden.

Algernon. But you have just said it was perfectly heartless to eat muffins.
Jack. I said it was perfectly heartless of you, under the circumstances. That is a very different thing.

Algernon. That may be. But the muffins are the same. [He seizes the muffin-dish from Jack.]

Jack. Algy, I wish to goodness you would go.

Algernon. You can’t possibly ask me to go without having some dinner. It’s absurd. I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that. Besides I have just made arrangements with Dr. Chasuble to be christened at a quarter to six under the name of Ernest.

Jack. My dear fellow, the sooner you give up that nonsense the better. I made arrangements this morning with Dr. Chasuble to be christened myself at 5.30, and I naturally will take the name of Ernest. Gwendolen would wish it. We can’t both be christened Ernest. It’s absurd. Besides, I have a perfect right to be christened if I like. There is no evidence at all that I have ever been christened by anybody. I should think it extremely probable I never was, and so does Dr. Chasuble. It is entirely different in your case. You have been christened already.

Algernon. Yes, but I have not been christened for years.

Jack. Yes, but you have been christened. That is the important thing.

Algernon. Quite so. So I know my constitution can stand it. If you are not quite sure about your ever having been christened, I must say I think it rather dangerous your venturing on it now. It might make you very unwell. You can hardly have forgotten that some one very closely connected with you was very nearly carried off this week in Paris by a severe chill.

Jack. Yes, but you said yourself that a severe chill was not hereditary.

Algernon. It usen’t to be, I know—but I daresay it is now. Science is always making wonderful improvements in things.

Jack. [Picking up the muffin-dish.] Oh, that is nonsense; you are always talking nonsense.

Algernon. Jack, you are at the muffins again! I wish you wouldn’t. There are only two left. [Takes them.] I told you I was particularly fond of muffins.

Jack. But I hate tea-cake.

Algernon. Why on earth then do you allow tea-cake to be served up for your guests? What ideas you have of hospitality!

Jack. Algernon! I have already told you to go. I don’t want you here. Why don’t you go!

Algernon. I haven’t quite finished my tea yet! and there is still one muffin left. [Jack groans, and sinks into a chair. Algernon still continues eating.]

ACT DROP