The Importance of Being Earnest - Act III
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Le livre électronique Project Gutenberg, The Importance of Being Earnest (L'Importance d'être Constant) d'Oscar Wilde - Acte III.

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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.

ACTE III.

SCÈNE : Petit salon dans Manor House.
[Gwendolen et Cecily sont à la fenêtre, elles regardent dans le jardin.]
Gwendolen. Le fait qu'ils ne nous ont pas suivies immédiatement dans la maison, comme tout le monde l'aurait fait, semble indiquer qu'ils ont un peu honte.
Cecily. Ils mangeaient des muffins. Cela ressemble à de la repentance.
Gwendolen. [Après une pause.] Ils ne semblent pas nous remarquer du tout. Vous ne pourriez pas tousser ?
Cecily. Mais je n'ai pas la toux.
Gwendolen. Ils nous regardent. Quelle effronterie !
Cecily. Ils approchent. C'est très audacieux de leur part.
Gwendolen. Gardons un silence digne.
Cecily. Certainement. C'est la seule chose à faire maintenant. [Jack entre, suivi d'Algernon. Ils sifflent un air terriblement populaire d'un opéra britannique.]
Gwendolen. Ce silence digne semble produire un effet désagréable.
Cecily. Un des plus désagréables.
Gwendolen. Mais nous ne serons pas les premières à parler.
Cecily. Certainement pas.
Gwendolen. Monsieur Worthing, j'ai quelque chose de très particulier à vous demander. Beaucoup dépend de votre réponse.
Cecily. Gwendolen, votre bon sens est inestimable. Monsieur Moncrieff, veuillez répondre à la question suivante. Pourquoi avez-vous prétendu être le frère de mon tuteur ?
Algernon. Afin que je puisse avoir l'occasion de vous rencontrer.
Cecily. [A Gwendolen.] Cela parait certainement une explication satisfaisante, n'est-ce pas ?
Gwendolen. Oui, ma chérie, si vous pouvez le croire.
Cecily. Je ne le crois pas. Mais cela n'affecte pas la merveilleuse beauté de sa réponse.
Gwendolen. C'est vrai. Dans les questions d'importance, le style et non la sincérité est la chose essentielle. Monsieur Worthing, quelle explication pouvez-vous m'offrir pour avoir prétendu avoir un frère ? Était-ce pour que vous ayez l'occasion de venir en ville pour me voir aussi souvent que possible ?
Jack. Pouvez-vous en douter, Miss Fairfax?
Gwendolen. J'ai les plus sérieux doutes à ce sujet. Mais j'ai l'intention de les ignorer. Ce n'est pas le moment pour le scepticisme allemand. [Elle va vers Cecily.] Leurs explications paraissent tout à fait satisfaisantes, surtout celles de monsieur Worthing. Cela me semble avoir le sceau de la vérité.
Cecily. Je suis plus que satisfaite de ce qu'a dit monsieur Moncrieff. Sa voix seule inspire une confiance absolue.
Gwendolen. Alors pensez-vous que nous devrions leur pardonner ?
Cecily. Oui. Je veux dire : non.
Gwendolen. C'est vrai ! J'avais oublié. Il y a des principes en jeu auxquels on ne peut renoncer. Laquelle d'entre nous va le leur dire ? Ce n'est pas une tâche agréable.
Cecily. Ne pourrions-nous pas toutes les deux leur parler en même temps ?
Gwendolen. Excellente idée ! Je parle presque toujours en même temps que les autres. Voulez-vous me prendre mon temps ?
Cecily. Certainement. [Gwendolen bat la mesure de son doigt levé.]
Gwendolen et Cecily [Elles parlent en même temps.] Vos prénoms demeurent une barrière infranchissable. C'est tout !
Jack et Algernon [Ils parlent ensemble.] Nos prénoms ! C'est tout ? Mais nous allons être baptisés cet après-midi.
Gwendolen. [À Jack.] Êtes-vous prêt à faire cette terrible chose pour moi ?
Jack. Oui.
Cecily. [À Algernon.] Pour me plaire, vous êtes prêt à affronter cette épreuve effrayante ?
Algernon. Oui !
Gwendolen. Comme c'est absurde de parler de l'égalité des sexes ! En ce qui concerne les questions d'abnégation, les hommes nous dépassent infiniment.
Jack. Nous sommes. [Il serre les mains d'Algernon.]
Cecily. Ils ont des moments de courage physique dont nous les femmes ne connaissons absolument rien.
Gwendolen. [À Jack.] Mon chéri !
Algernon. [À Cecily.] Ma chérie ! [Ils s'enlacent.]
[Merriman entre. Voyant la situation, quand il entre, il tousse très fort.]
Merriman. Hum ! Hum ! Lady Bracknell !
Jack. Ciel !
[Lady Bracknell entre. Les couples se séparent en alerte. Merriman sort.]
Lady Bracknell. Gwendolen ! Qu'est-ce que cela signifie ?
Gwendolen. Simplement que je suis fiancée à M. Worthing, maman.
Lady Bracknell. Viens ici. Assieds-toi. Assieds-toi immédiatement. L'hésitation sous toutes ses formes est un signe de décadence mentale chez les jeunes, de sénilité chez les vieux. [Elle se tourne vers Jack.] Informée, Monsieur, du départ soudain de ma fille par les confidences de sa fidèle femme de chambre, dont j'avais acquis la confiance grâce à quelques piécettes, je l'ai suivie immédiatement en prenant un train de marchandises. Son pauvre père est, je suis heureuse de le dire, convaincu qu'elle participe à une conférence, plus longue qu'à l'accoutumée, du Programme universitaire de vulgarisation sur l'Influence d'un revenu régulier sur la pensée. Je n'ai pas l'intention de le détromper. D'ailleurs, je ne l'ai jamais détrompé dans aucun domaine. Ce serait mal. Mais bien entendu, vous comprenez parfaitement que toute relation entre vous et ma fille doit cesser immédiatement. Sur ce point, comme d'ailleurs sur tous les autres, je serai inflexible.
Jack. J'ai pris l'engagement d'épouser Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell !
Lady Bracknell. Vous n'avez rien pris de la sorte, monsieur. Et maintenant, en ce qui concerne Algernon ! . . . Algernon !
Algernon. Oui, Tante Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Puis-je te demander si c'est dans cette maison que demeure M. Bunbury, ton ami souffrant ?
Algernon. [Bégayant.] Oh ! Non ! Bunbury n'habite pas ici. Bunbury est ailleurs à présent. En fait, Bunbury est mort.
Lady Bracknell. Mort ! Quand M. Bunbury est-il mort ? Son décès a dû être très soudain.
Algernon. [Avec désinvolture.] Oh ! J'ai tué Bunbury cet après-midi. Je veux dire que ce pauvre Bunbury est mort cet après-midi.
Lady Bracknell. De quoi est-il mort ?
Algernon. Bunbury ? Oh, il a explosé, en quelque sorte.
Lady Bracknell. Explosé ! A-t-il été victime d'un attentat révolutionnaire ? Je n'étais pas au courant que monsieur Bunbury s'intéressait à la législation sociale. Si tel est le cas, sa maladie l'a bien puni.
Algernon. Ma chère tante Augusta, je veux dire qu'il a été démasqué ! Les docteurs ont découvert que Bunbury ne pouvait pas vivre, c'est ce que je veux dire—donc Bunbury est mort.
Lady Bracknell. Il semble avoir eu une grande confiance dans l'opinion de ses médecins. Je suis heureuse, cependant, que finalement il se soit résigné à prendre un parti et qu'il ait suivi un avis médical.approprié. Et maintenant que nous nous sommes enfin débarrassés de ce monsieur Bunbury, puis-je demander, monsieur Worthing, qui est la jeune personne que mon neveu Algernon tient maintenant par la main d'une manière qui me semble particulièrement inappropriée ?
Jack. Cette dame est Miss Cecily Cardew, ma pupille. [Lady Bracknell s'incline froidement vers Cecily.]
Algernon. Je suis fiancé à Cecily, tante Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Je te demande pardon ?
Cecily. Monsieur Moncrieff et moi sommes fiancés, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Avec un frisson, elle se dirige vers le canapé et s'assoit.] Je ne sais pas s'il y a quelque chose de particulièrement excitant dans l'air dans cette partie du Hertfordshire, mais le nombre de fiançailles qui s'y déroulent me semble être considérablement supérieur à la moyenne que les statistiques ont établie pour notre information. Je pense qu'une enquête préliminaire de ma part ne serait pas déplacée. Monsieur Worthing, Miss Cardew a-t-elle le moindre lien avec une des plus grandes gares de Londres ? Je désire simplement une information. Jusqu'à hier, je n'avais aucune idée qu'il y avait des familles ou des personnes dont l'origine était un Terminus. [Jack a l'air fou furieux, mais il se domine. ]
Jack. [D'une voix calme et glaciale.] Miss Cardew est la petite-fille de feu Monsieur Thomas Cardew qui habitait au 149 Belgrave Square, S.W. à Gervase Park, Dorking dans le Surrey, et à Sporran dans le Fifeshire en Écosse.
Lady Bracknell. Cela semble satisfaisant. Trois adresses inspirent toujours confiance, même entre commerçants. Mais quelle preuve ai-je de leur authenticité ?
Jack. J'ai soigneusement conservé les annuaires mondains de l'époque. Ils sont ouverts à votre inspection, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. [Sévèrement.] J'ai connu des erreurs étranges dans cette publication.
Jack. Les avocats de la famille de Miss Cardew sont MM. Markby, Markby et Markby.
Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, et Markby ? Une entreprise de la plus haute position dans leur profession. En effet, on me dit qu'on voit parfois un de ces messieurs Markby à des dîners. Jusqu'à présent, je suis satisfaite.
Jack. [Très irrité.] Comme c'est aimable à vous, Lady Bracknell ! J'ai également en ma possession, vous serez heureuse de l'entendre, les certificats de naissance de Miss Cardew, de baptême, de la coqueluche, de recensement, de vaccination, de la rougeole et de sa confirmation, établis à la fois en allemand et en anglais.
Lady Bracknell. Ah ! Une vie remplie d'incidents, je vois ; bien que peut-être un peu trop excitante pour une jeune fille. Je ne suis pas moi-même en faveur d'expériences prématurées. [Elle se lève, regarde sa montre.] Gwendolen ! l'heure de notre depart approche. Nous n'avons pas un moment à perdre. Pour la forme, monsieur Worthing, je ferais mieux de vous demander si Miss Cardew a quelque fortune ?
Jack. Oh ! environ cent trente mille livres dans les Fonds. C'est tout. Au revoir, Lady Bracknell. Tellement content de vous avoir vue.
Lady Bracknell. [Elle se rassoit.] Un moment, monsieur Worthing. Cent trente mille livres ! Et dans les Fonds ! Miss Cardew me parait une jeune dame très attirante, maintenant que je la regarde. Peu de jeunes filles d'aujourd'hui ont des qualités vraiment solides, des qualités qui durent et s'améliorent avec le temps. Nous vivons, je le regrette de dire, dans une époque superficielle. [À Cecily.] Viens ici, ma chérie. [Cecily traverse.] Belle enfant ! votre robe est tristement simple, et votre chevelure semble presque comme la nature l'a faite. Mais nous pouvons vite changer tout cela. Une femme de chambre française expérimentée produit un résultat vraiment merveilleux en très peu de temps. Je me souviens en avoir recommandé une à la jeune Lady Lancing, et après trois mois, son propre mari ne la reconnaissait pas.
Jack. Et après six mois, personne ne la reconnaissait.
Lady Bracknell. [Elle fusille Jack du regard pendant quelques instants. Puis se penche avec un regard acéré vers Cecily.] Voulez-vous bien tourner sur vous-même, chère enfant. [Cecily fait un tour complet.] Non, c'est le profil que je veux. [Cecily présente son profil.] Oui, tout comme je m'y attendais. Il y a de potentielles qualités aristocratiques dans votre profil. Les deux points faibles de notre époque sont son manque de principe et son manque de profil. Le menton un peu plus haut, ma chère. Le style dépend en grande partie de la façon dont on porte le menton. On le porte très haut, juste à l'heure actuelle. Algernon !
Algernon. Oui, tante Augusta !
Lady Bracknell. Il y a de potentielles qualités aristocratiques dans le profil de Miss Cardew.
Algernon. Cecily est la plus douce, la plus chère, la plus jolie jeune fille du monde entier. Et les conventions sociales m'insupportent.
Lady Bracknell. Ne parle jamais irrespectueusement de la Société, Algernon. Seules les personnes qui ne peuvent pas y entrer le font. [À Cecily.] Chère enfant, bien sûr, vous savez qu'Algernon n'a que des dettes à vous offrir. Mais je n'approuve pas les mariages intéressés. Quand j'ai épousé Lord Bracknell, je n'avais aucune fortune. Mais je n'ai jamais rêvé un instant de laisser cela me faire obstacle. Alors, je suppose que je dois donner mon consentement.
Algernon. Merci, tante Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Cecily, vous pouvez m'embrasser !
Cecily. [Elle l'embrasse.] Merci, Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell. Vous pouvez également désormais m'appeler tante Augusta.
Cecily. Merci, tante Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Je pense qu'il serait mieux que le mariage se fasse assez rapidement.
Algernon. Merci, tante Augusta.
Cecily. Merci, tante Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Pour parler franchement, je ne suis pas en faveur de longues fiançailles. Ils donnent aux gens l'occasion de découvrir le caractère de l'autre avant le mariage, ce qui, je pense, n'est jamais recommandé.
Jack. Pardonnez-moi de vous interrompre, Lady Bracknell, mais ces fiançailles sont tout à fait hors de question. Je suis le tuteur de Miss Cardew et elle ne peut pas se marier sans mon consentement jusqu'à ce qu'elle atteigne sa majorité. Ce consentement, je refuse absolument de le donner.
Lady Bracknell. Puis-je demander pour quels motifs ? Algernon est assurément, je dirais même de toute évidence, un bon parti. Il n'a rien mais possède tant de choses . Que peut-on désirer de plus ?
Jack. Cela me fait beaucoup de peine d'avoir à vous parler franchement, Lady Bracknell, au sujet de votre neveu, mais le fait est que je n'approuve pas du tout sa moralité. Je le soupçonne d'être un menteur. [Algernon et Cecily le regardent avec une stupéfaction indignée.]
Lady Bracknell. Un menteur ! Mon neveu Algernon ? Impossible ! C'est un Oxfordien.
Jack. Je crains qu'il ne puisse y avoir de doute possible à ce sujet. Cet après-midi, pendant mon absence temporaire à Londres, pour une importante question sentimentale, il a été admis chez moi sous le faux prétexte d'être mon frère. Sous un pseudonyme, il a bu, je viens d'en être informé par mon majordome, une bouteille entière de mon Perrier-Jouet, Brut, '89 ; le vin que je me réservais spécialement. Continuant sa tromperie honteuse, il réussit au cours de l'après-midi à s’attirer l'affection de mon unique pupille. Il est ensuite resté pour le thé, et a dévoré tous les muffins. Et ce qui rend sa conduite d'autant plus cruelle, c'est qu'il savait très bien dès le début que je n'ai pas de frère, que je n'ai jamais eu de frère et que je n'ai pas l'intention d'avoir un frère, de quelque sorte que ce soit. Je le lui ai dit distinctement moi-même hier après-midi.
Lady Bracknell. Hum ! Monsieur Worthing, après mûre réflexion, j'ai décidé de négliger tout à fait la conduite de mon neveu à votre égard.
Jack. C'est très généreux de votre part, Lady Bracknell. Ma propre décision, cependant, est inaltérable. Je refuse de donner mon consentement.
Lady Bracknell. [À Cecily.] Viens ici, doux enfant. [Cecily approche.] Quel âge as-tu, ma chérie ?
Cecily. Eh bien, j'ai tout juste dix-huit ans, mais je déclare toujours avoir vingt ansquand je vais à des soirées.
Lady Bracknell. Vous avez parfaitement raison de faire une légère modification. En effet, aucune femme ne devrait jamais être vraiment précise quant à son âge. Cela a l'air si calculateur. . . [Méditativement.] Dix-huit ans, mais prétendant en avoir vingt dans les soirées. Eh bien, ce ne sera pas très long avant d'être majeure et libre des contraintes de la tutelle. Je ne crois donc pas que le consentement de votre tuteur soit, après tout, une question d'importance.
Jack. Je vous prie de m'excuser, Lady Bracknell, de vous interrompre de nouveau, mais il est de mon devoir de vous dire que, selon les termes du testament de son grand-père, Miss Cardew n'atteindra légalement l'âge de majorité qu'à trente-cinq ans.
Lady Bracknell. Cela ne me parait pas être une grave objection. Trente-cinq ans est un âge très attractif. La Haute Société londonienne est pleine de femmes de la plus haute naissance qui, de leur propre choix, sont restées depuis des années à l'âge trente-cinq ans. Lady Dumbleton en est un exemple. À ma connaissance, elle a trente-cinq ans depuis qu'elle a atteint l'âge de quarante ans, il y a de nombreuses années maintenant. Je ne vois pas pourquoi notre chère Cecily ne serait pas même plus attirante à l'âge dont vous parlez qu'elle ne l'est à présent. Son patrimoine aura augmenté.
Cecily. Algy, pourras-tu m'attendre jusqu'à ce que j'aie trente-cinq ans ?
Algernon. Bien sûr, Cecily. J'en suis certain.
Cecily. Oui, je l'ai senti instinctivement, mais moi, je ne pourrai attendre tout ce temps. Je déteste attendre quelqu'un, même cinq minutes. Cela me met toujours en colère. Je ne suis pas ponctuelle moi-même, je le sais, mais j'aime la ponctualité chez les autres, et attendre, même pour être mariée, est tout à fait hors de question.
Algernon. Que faire alors, Cecily ?
Cecily. Je ne sais pas, monsieur Moncrieff.
Lady Bracknell. Cher monsieur Worthing, comme Miss Cardew affirme qu'elle ne peut pas attendre jusqu'à l'âge de trente-cinq ans, une remarque qui, je suis obligée de le dire, me semble montrer une nature plutôt impatiente, je vous prierais de reconsidérer votre décision.
Jack. Mais ma chère Lady Bracknell, l'affaire est entièrement entre vos mains. Dès l'instant où vous consentirez à mon mariage avec Gwendolen, je permettrai volontiers à votre neveu de former une alliance avec ma pupille.
Lady Bracknell. [Elle se lève et se redresse.] Vous devez être tout à fait conscient que ce que vous proposez est hors de question.
Jack. Alors, un célibat passionné est tout ce qui nous attend.
Lady Bracknell. Ce n'est pas le destin que j'envisage pour Gwendolen. Algernon, bien sûr, peut choisir lui-même. [Elle sort sa montre.] Viens, ma chère, [Gwendolen se lève] nous avons déjà manqué cinq, sinon six trains. En manquer un de plus nous exposera à des commentaires sur le quai.
[Le révérend Chasuble entre.] Chasuble. Tout est prêt pour les baptêmes.
Lady Bracknell. Les baptêmes, monsieur ! N'est-ce pas quelque peu prématuré ?
Chasuble. [L'air plutôt décontenancé, et désignant Jack et Algernon.] Ces deux messieurs ont exprimé le souhait d'être baptisés immédiatement.
Lady Bracknell. À leur âge ? Cette idée est grotesque et contraire à la religion. Algernon, je t'interdis de te faire baptiser. Je ne veux pas entendre de telles outrances. Lord Bracknell serait très mécontent s'il apprenait que c'était ainsi que tu as gaspillé ton temps et ton argent.
Chasuble. Dois-je comprendre alors qu'il n'y aura pas du tout de baptême cet après-midi ?
Jack. Je ne pense pas que, dans l'état actuel des choses, cela aurait beaucoup d'utilité pour l'un comme pour l'autre, révérend Chasuble. Chasuble. Je suis attristé d'entendre de tels sentiments de votre part, monsieur Worthing. Ils ont le goût des vues hérétiques des anabaptistes, vues que j'ai complètement réfutées dans quatre de mes sermons inédits. Cependant, comme votre humeur actuelle semble être particulièrement laïque, je vais retourner à l'église immédiatement. En effet, je viens d'apprendre par la chasière que, depuis une heure et demie, Miss Prism m'attend dans la sacristie.
Lady Bracknell. [Elle sursaute.] Miss Prism ! Est-ce que je vous ai entendu une Miss Prism ?
Chasuble. Oui, Lady Bracknell. Je suis en route pour la rejoindre.
Lady Bracknell. Priez, permettez-moi de vous retentir un moment. Cette affaire peut s'avérer être d'une importance vitale de Lord Bracknell et moi-même. Cette Miss Prism, est-elle une femme à l'aspect repoussant, reliée de loin à l'éducation ?
Chasuble. [Un peu indigné.] Elle est la plus cultivée des dames et l'image même de la respectabilité.
Lady Bracknell. C'est évidemment la même personne. Puis-je demander quelle position elle occupe dans votre maisonnée ?
Chasuble. [Sévèrement.] Je suis célibataire, madame.
Jack. [Il s'interpose.] Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, est depuis les trois dernières années la très estimée gouvernante et compagne précieuse de Miss Cardew.
Lady Bracknell. Malgré ce que j'entends dire d'elle, je dois la voir tout de suite. Faites-la appeler.
Chasuble. [Il la cherche.] Elle s'approche, elle est tout près.
[Miss Prism entre à la hâte.]
Miss Prism. On m'a dit que vous m'attendiez dans la sacristie, mon cher Canon. Je vous attendais là-bas depuis une heure trois quarts. [Elle aperçoit Lady Bracknell qui la fixait d'un regard froid. Miss Prism pâlit et tremble. Elle regarde anxieusement autour comme si elle voulait s'échapper.
Lady Bracknell. D'une voix sévère comme dans un tribunal. Prism ! [Miss Prism baisse la tête honteusement.] Venez ici, Prism ! [Miss Prism s'approche humblement.] Prism ! Où est ce bébé ? [Consternation générale. Le chanoine fait un bond en arrière. Algernon et Jack semblent être anxieux de protéger Cecily et Gwendolen d'entendre les détails d'un terrible scandale public.] Il y a vingt-huit ans, Prism, vous êtes sortie de la maison de Lord Bracknell, numéro 104, Upper Grosvenor Street, avec sous votre garde un landau contenant un bébé du sexe masculin. Vous n'êtes jamais revenue. Quelques semaines plus tard, à la suite des enquêtes approfondies de la police métropolitaine, le landau fut découvert à minuit, seul dans un coin reculé de Bayswater. Il contenait le manuscrit d'un roman en trois volumes d'une sentimentalité plus révoltante qu'à l'ordinaire. [Miss Prism sursaute avec une indignation involontaire.] Mais le bébé n'était pas là! [Tout le monde regarde Miss Prism.] Prism ! Où est ce bébé ? [Une pause.]
Miss Prism. Lady Bracknell, j'avoue avec honte que je ne le sais pas. Je voudrais bien le savoir. Les faits simples de l'affaire sont ceux-ci. Le matin de la journée que vous mentionnez, un jour qui est à jamais marqué dans ma mémoire, je me suis préparée comme d'habitude à emmener le bébé en promenade dans son landau. J'avais aussi avec moi un sac à main quelque peu vieux, mais vaste, dans lequel j'avais l'intention de placer le manuscrit d'une œuvre de fiction que j'avais écrite pendant mes quelques heures d'inactivité. Dans un moment d'abstraction mentale, pour lequel je ne pourrai jamais me pardonner, j'ai déposé le manuscrit dans le landau et placé le bébé dans le sac à main.
Jack. [Qui a écouté attentivement.] Mais où avez-vous déposé le sac à main ?
Miss Prism. Ne me demandez pas cela, monsieur Worthing.
Jack. Miss Prism, c'est une question de grande importance pour moi. J'insiste pour savoir où vous avez déposé le sac à main qui contenait ce bébé.
Miss Prism. Je l'ai laissé dans le vestiaire de l'une des plus grandes gares de Londres.
Jack. Quelle gare ?
Miss Prism. [Tout à fait effondrée.] Victoria. La ligne de Brighton. [Elle s'effondre sur une chaise.]
Jack. Je dois me retirer un moment dans ma chambre. Gwendolen, attends-moi ici,
Gwendolen. Si tu n'es pas trop long, je t'attendrai ici toute ma vie. [Jack sort, très agité.]
Chasuble. Que pensez-vous que cela signifie, Lady Bracknell ?
Lady Bracknell. Je n'ose même pas le soupçonner, révérend Chasuble. Je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire que dans les familles de la haute société, des coïncidences étranges ne sont pas censées se produire. On y pense guère.
[On entend des bruits comme si quelqu'un jetait des malles. Tout le monde lève les yeux.]
Cecily. Oncle Jack parait étrangement agité.
Chasuble. Votre tuteur a une nature très émotive.
Lady Bracknell. Ce bruit est extrêmement déplaisant. On dirait qu'il a une dispute. Je déteste les disputes de toutes sortes. Elles sont toujours vulgaires et souvent convaincantes.
Chasuble. [Il lève les yeux.] Cela s'est arrêté maintenant. [Le bruit redouble.]
Lady Bracknell. J'aimerais qu'il arrive à une conclusion.
Gwendolen. Ce suspense est terrible. J'espère que çela va durer. [Jack entre avec un sac en cuir noir à la main.]
Jack. [Il se précipite vers Miss Prism.] Est-ce bien le sac à main, Miss Prism ? Examinez-le soigneusement avant de parler. Le bonheur de plus d'une vie dépend de votre réponse.
Miss Prism. [Calmement.] On dirait que c'est le mien. Oui, voici l'accroc provoqué par l'embardée d'un omnibus dans Grower street en des jours lointains et plus heureux. Et voici la tache sur la doublure causée par l'explosion d'une boisson non alcoolisée, un incident qui s'est produit à Leamington. Et ici, sur le fermoir, mes initiales. J'avais oublié que dans un moment d'extravagance je les avais fait graver là. Ce sac est le mien sans aucun doute. Je suis ravie de le retrouver de façon si inattendue. Cela a été un grand désagrément de ne pas l’avoir pendant toutes ces années.
Jack. [Sur un ton pathétique.] Miss Prism, c'est plus qu'un sac à main qui vous est rendu. C'est le bébé que vous y aviez placé.
Miss Prism. [Bouche bée.] Toi ?
Jack. [Il la prend dans ses bras.] Oui. . . maman !
Miss Prism. [Elle recule dans un étonnement indigné.] Monsieur Worthing ! Je ne suis pas mariée !
Jack. Pas mariée ! Je ne nie pas que c'est un coup sérieux. Mais après tout, qui a le droit de jeter une pierre à quelqu'un qui a souffert ? La repentance ne peut-elle pas effacer un acte de folie ? Pourquoi devrait-il y avoir une loi pour les hommes et une autre pour les femmes ? Ma mère, je vous pardonne. [Il tente de l'embrasser de nouveau.]
Miss Prism. [Encore plus indignée.] Monsieur Worthing, il y a une erreur. [Elle désigne Lady Bracknell.] Voici la dame qui peut vous dire qui vous êtes vraiment.
Jack. [Après une pause.] Lady Bracknell, je déteste paraître curieux, mais voulez-vous bien m'informer de qui je suis ?
Lady Bracknell. Je crains que les nouvelles que je dois vous donner ne vous satisfassent pas complètement. Vous êtes le fils de ma pauvre sœur, Mrs. Moncrieff, et par conséquent le frère aîné d'Algernon.
Jack. Le frère aîné d'Algy ! Alors, j'ai un frère après tout. Je savais que j'avais un frère ! J'ai toujours dit que j'avais un frère ! Cecily, comment aurais-tu pu douter que j'avais un frère ? Il saisit Algernon par le bras. Révérend Chasuble, voici mon pauvre frère. Miss Prism, mon pauvre frère. Gwendolen, mon pauvre frère. Algy, jeune voyou, tu devras me traiter avec plus de respect à l'avenir. Tu ne t'es jamais comporté comme un frère de toute ta vie.
Algernon. Eh bien, pas jusqu'à ce jour, mon vieux, je l'admets. Cependant, j'ai fait de mon mieux, même si je manquais de pratique.
[Il lui serra la main.]
Gwendolen. [À Jack.] Mon chéri ! Mais qui es-tu ? Quel est ton prénom, maintenant que tu es devenu quelqu'un d'autre ?
Jack. Mon Dieu ! . . . J'avais complètement oublié ce point. Votre décision au sujet de mon prénom est irrévocable, je suppose ?
Gwendolen. Je ne change jamais d'avis, sauf pour mes sentiments.
Cecily. Quelle noble nature vous avez, Gwendolen !
Jack. Alors la question ferait mieux d'être éclaircie immédiatement. Tante Augusta, un moment. Au moment où miss Prism m'a laissé dans le sac à main, avais-je déjà été baptisé ?
Lady Bracknell. Tout le luxe que l'argent pouvait acheter, y compris le baptême, vous avait été prodigué par vos parents aimants et attentionnés.
Jack. Alors, j'ai été baptisé ! C'est réglé. Alors, quel nom m'a-t-on donné ? Dites-moi tout, même le pire ?
Lady Bracknell. En tant que fils aîné, vous avez été naturellement baptisé du prénom de votre père.
Jack. [Irrité.] Oui, mais quel était le prénom de mon père ?
Lady Bracknell. [Méditativement.] Je ne peux pas, pour le moment, me rappeler quel était le prénom du général Mais je ne doute pas qu'il en ait eu un. Il était excentrique, je l'admets. Mais seulement dans ses dernières années. Et c'était le résultat du climat indien, et du mariage, et de l'indigestion, et d'autres choses de ce genre.
Jack. Algy ! Tu ne peux pas te souvenir du prénom de notre père ?
Algernon. Mon cher garçon, nous n'avons même jamais pu parler ensemble. Il est mort quand j'avais un an.
Jack. Son nom devrait figurer dans les listes de l'armée de l'époque, je suppose, tante Augusta ?
Lady Bracknell. Le Général était essentiellement un homme de paix, sauf dans sa vie domestique. Mais je n'ai aucun doute que son nom devrait figurer dans n'importe quel annuaire militaire.
Jack. Les annuaires de l'armée des quarante dernières années sont ici. J'aurais dû plus me pencher sur ces annales charmantes. [Il se précipite vers une étagère et saisit plusieurs livres.] Les généraux. . . Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, quels noms horribles ils ont—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff ! Lieutenant en 1840, capitaine, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, général en 1869, prénoms, Constant John. [Il pose très tranquillement le livre et parle assez calmement.] Je te l'ai toujours dit, Gwendolen, que mon nom c'était Constant, n'est-ce pas ? Eh bien, c'est Constant après tout. Je veux dire que c'est naturellement Constant.
Lady Bracknell. Oui, je me souviens maintenant que le Général s'appelait Constant, je savais que j'avais une raison particulière de détester ce nom.
Gwendolen. Constant ! Mon Constant à moi ! J'ai senti dès le début que tu ne pouvais pas avoir un autre nom !
Jack. Gwendolen, c'est une chose terrible pour un homme de découvrir soudainement que toute sa vie il n'a dit que la vérité. Peux-tu me pardonner ?
Gwendolen. Oui. Car je sens que tu es sûr de changer.
Jack. Ma chérie à moi !
Chasuble. [À Miss Prism.] Lætitia ! [Il l'embrasse] Miss Prism. [Enthousiaste.] Frederick ! Enfin !
Algernon. Cecily ! [Il l'embrasse.] Enfin !
Jack. Gwendolen ! [Il l'embrasse.] Enfin !
Lady Bracknell. Mon neveu, vous semblez montrer des signes de trivialité.
Jack. Au contraire, tante Augusta, j'ai maintenant réalisé pour la première fois de ma vie l'importance vitale d'être Constant.
TABLEAU ***FIN DU PROJET GOUTENBERG EBOOK L'IMPORTANCE D'ÊTRE CONSTANT***
unit 1
The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.
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This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.
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Title: The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
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Author: Oscar Wilde.
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Release Date: August 29, 2006 [eBook #844].
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Language: English.
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Transcribed from the 1915 Methuen & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.
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Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.
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The Importance of Being Earnest.
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A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
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By Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
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THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY John Worthing, JP.
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Algernon Moncrieff.
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Rev.
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Canon Chasuble, DD.
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Merriman, Butler.
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Lane, Manservant.
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Lady Bracknell.
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Hon.
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Gwendolen Fairfax.
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Cecily Cardew.
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Miss Prism, Governess.
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THE SCENES OF THE PLAY.
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ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W. ACT II.
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The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.
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ACT III.
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Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.
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TIME: The Present.
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ACT III.
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SCENE Morning-room at the Manor House.
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[Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]
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Gwendolen.
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Cecily.
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They have been eating muffins.
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That looks like repentance.
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Gwendolen.
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[After a pause.]
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They don’t seem to notice us at all.
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Couldn’t you cough?
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Cecily.
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But I haven’t got a cough.
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Gwendolen.
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They’re looking at us.
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What effrontery!
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Cecily.
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They’re approaching.
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That’s very forward of them.
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Gwendolen.
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Let us preserve a dignified silence.
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Cecily.
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Certainly.
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It’s the only thing to do now.
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[Enter Jack followed by Algernon.
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They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.]
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Gwendolen.
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This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect.
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Cecily.
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A most distasteful one.
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Gwendolen.
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But we will not be the first to speak.
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Cecily.
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Certainly not.
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Gwendolen.
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Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you.
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Much depends on your reply.
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Cecily.
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Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable.
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Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question.
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Why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?
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Algernon.
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In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
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Cecily.
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[To Gwendolen.]
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That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
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Gwendolen.
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Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
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Cecily.
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I don’t.
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But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
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Gwendolen.
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True.
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In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.
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Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother?
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Jack.
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Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?
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Gwendolen.
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I have the gravest doubts upon the subject.
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But I intend to crush them.
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This is not the moment for German scepticism.
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[Moving to Cecily.]
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Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s.
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That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.
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Cecily.
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I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said.
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His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.
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Gwendolen.
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Then you think we should forgive them?
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Cecily.
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Yes.
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I mean no.
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Gwendolen.
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True!
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I had forgotten.
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There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender.
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Which of us should tell them?
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The task is not a pleasant one.
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Cecily.
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Could we not both speak at the same time?
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Gwendolen.
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An excellent idea!
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I nearly always speak at the same time as other people.
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Will you take the time from me?
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Cecily.
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Certainly.
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[Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.]
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Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.]
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Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier.
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That is all!
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Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.]
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Our Christian names!
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Is that all?
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But we are going to be christened this afternoon.
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Gwendolen.
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[To Jack.]
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For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?
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Jack.
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I am.
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Cecily.
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[To Algernon.]
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To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
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Algernon.
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I am!
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Gwendolen.
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How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes!
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Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us.
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Jack.
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We are.
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[Clasps hands with Algernon.]
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Cecily.
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They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing.
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Gwendolen.
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[To Jack.]
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Darling!
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Algernon.
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[To Cecily.]
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Darling!
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[They fall into each other’s arms.]
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[Enter Merriman.
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When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]
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Merriman.
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Ahem!
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Ahem!
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Lady Bracknell!
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Jack.
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Good heavens!
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[Enter Lady Bracknell.
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The couples separate in alarm.
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Exit Merriman.]
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Lady Bracknell.
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Gwendolen!
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What does this mean?
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Gwendolen.
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Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
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Lady Bracknell.
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Come here.
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Sit down.
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Sit down immediately.
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Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old.
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[Turns to Jack.]
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I do not propose to undeceive him.
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Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question.
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I would consider it wrong.
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On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
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Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 181
I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 182
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 183
You are nothing of the kind, sir.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 184
And now, as regards Algernon!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 185
.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 186
.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 187
.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 188
Algernon!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 189
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 190
Yes, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 191
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 192
May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 193
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 194
[Stammering.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 195
Oh!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 196
No!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 197
Bunbury doesn’t live here.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 198
Bunbury is somewhere else at present.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 199
In fact, Bunbury is dead.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 200
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 201
Dead!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 202
When did Mr. Bunbury die?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 203
His death must have been extremely sudden.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 204
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 205
[Airily.]
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 206
Oh!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 207
I killed Bunbury this afternoon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 208
I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 209
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 210
What did he die of?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 211
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 212
Bunbury?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 213
Oh, he was quite exploded.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 214
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 215
Exploded!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 216
Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 217
I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 218
If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 219
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 220
My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out!
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 221
The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 222
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 223
He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 226
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 227
That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 228
[Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 229
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 230
I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 231
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 232
I beg your pardon?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 233
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 234
Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 235
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 236
[With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 238
I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 239
Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 240
I merely desire information.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 241
Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 242
[Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 243
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 244
[In a clear, cold voice.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 245
Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 246
; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 247
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 248
That sounds not unsatisfactory.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 249
Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 250
But what proof have I of their authenticity?
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 251
Jack.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 252
I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 253
They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 254
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 255
[Grimly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 256
I have known strange errors in that publication.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 257
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 258
Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 259
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 260
Markby, Markby, and Markby?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 261
A firm of the very highest position in their profession.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 262
Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby’s is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 263
So far I am satisfied.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 264
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 265
[Very irritably.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 266
How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell!
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 268
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 269
Ah!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 270
A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 271
I am not myself in favour of premature experiences.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 272
[Rises, looks at her watch.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 273
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 274
the time approaches for our departure.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 275
We have not a moment to lose.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 276
As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 277
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 278
Oh!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 279
about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 280
That is all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 281
Goodbye, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 282
So pleased to have seen you.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 283
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 284
[Sitting down again.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 285
A moment, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 286
A hundred and thirty thousand pounds!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 287
And in the Funds!
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 288
Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 290
We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 291
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 292
Come over here, dear.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 293
[Cecily goes across.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 294
Pretty child!
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 295
your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 296
But we can soon alter all that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 297
unit 299
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 300
And after six months nobody knew her.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 301
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 302
[Glares at Jack for a few moments.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 303
Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 304
Kindly turn round, sweet child.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 305
[Cecily turns completely round.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 9 months ago
unit 306
No, the side view is what I want.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 307
[Cecily presents her profile.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 308
Yes, quite as I expected.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 309
There are distinct social possibilities in your profile.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 310
The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 311
The chin a little higher, dear.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 312
Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 313
They are worn very high, just at present.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 314
Algernon!
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 315
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 316
Yes, Aunt Augusta!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 317
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 318
There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 319
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 320
Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 321
And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 322
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 323
Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 324
Only people who can’t get into it do that.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 325
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 326
Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 327
But I do not approve of mercenary marriages.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 328
When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 329
But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 330
Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 331
Algernon.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 332
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 333
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 334
Cecily, you may kiss me!
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 335
Cecily.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 336
[Kisses her.]
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 337
Thank you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 338
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 339
You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
2 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 340
Cecily.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 341
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 342
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 343
The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 344
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 345
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 346
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 347
Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 348
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 349
To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 351
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 352
unit 353
I am Miss Cardew’s guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she comes of age.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 354
That consent I absolutely decline to give.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 355
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 356
Upon what grounds may I ask?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 357
Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 358
He has nothing, but he looks everything.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 359
What more can one desire?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 360
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 362
I suspect him of being untruthful.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 363
[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 364
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 365
Untruthful!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 366
My nephew Algernon?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 367
Impossible!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 368
He is an Oxonian.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 369
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 370
I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 374
He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 376
I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 377
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 378
Ahem!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 380
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 381
That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 382
My own decision, however, is unalterable.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 383
I decline to give my consent.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 384
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 385
[To Cecily.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 386
Come here, sweet child.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 387
[Cecily goes over.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 388
How old are you, dear?
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 389
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 390
Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 391
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 392
You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 393
Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 394
It looks so calculating .
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 395
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 396
.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 397
[In a meditative manner.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 398
Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 399
Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 400
So I don’t think your guardian’s consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 401
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 403
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 404
That does not seem to me to be a grave objection.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 405
Thirty-five is a very attractive age.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 407
Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 410
There will be a large accumulation of property.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 411
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 412
Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 413
Algernon.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 414
Of course I could, Cecily.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 415
You know I could.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 416
Cecily.
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 417
Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 418
I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 419
It always makes me rather cross.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 421
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 422
Then what is to be done, Cecily?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 423
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 424
I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 425
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 427
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 428
But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 430
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 431
[Rising and drawing herself up.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 432
You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of the question.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 433
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 434
Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward to.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 435
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 436
That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 437
Algernon, of course, can choose for himself.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 438
[Pulls out her watch.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 439
Come, dear, [Gwendolen rises] we have already missed five, if not six, trains.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 440
To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 441
[Enter Dr.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 442
Chasuble.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 443
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 444
Everything is quite ready for the christenings.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 445
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 446
The christenings, sir!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 447
Is not that somewhat premature?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 448
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 449
[Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 450
Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 451
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 452
At their age?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 453
The idea is grotesque and irreligious!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 454
Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 455
I will not hear of such excesses.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 457
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 458
Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 459
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 461
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 462
I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 464
unit 466
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 467
[Starting.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 468
Miss Prism!
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 469
Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 470
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 471
Yes, Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 472
I am on my way to join her.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 473
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 474
Pray allow me to detain you for a moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 475
This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 476
Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with education?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 477
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 478
[Somewhat indignantly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 479
She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 480
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 481
It is obviously the same person.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 482
May I ask what position she holds in your household?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 483
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 484
[Severely.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 485
I am a celibate, madam.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 486
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 487
[Interposing.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 489
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 490
In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 491
Let her be sent for.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 492
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 493
[Looking off.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 494
She approaches; she is nigh.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 495
[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 496
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 497
I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 498
I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 499
[Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony glare.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 500
Miss Prism grows pale and quails.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 501
She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 502
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 503
[In a severe, judicial voice.]
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 504
Prism!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 505
[Miss Prism bows her head in shame.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 506
Come here, Prism!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 507
[Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 508
Prism!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 509
Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 510
[General consternation.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 511
The Canon starts back in horror.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 514
You never returned.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 516
It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually revolting sentimentality.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 517
[Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 518
But the baby was not there!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 519
[Every one looks at Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 520
Prism!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 521
Where is that baby?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 522
[A pause.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 523
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 524
Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 525
I only wish I did.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 526
The plain facts of the case are these.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 530
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 531
[Who has been listening attentively.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 532
But where did you deposit the hand-bag?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 533
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 534
Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 535
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 536
Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me.
4 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 537
I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 538
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 539
I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 540
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 541
What railway station?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 542
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 543
[Quite crushed.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 544
Victoria.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 545
The Brighton line.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 546
[Sinks into a chair.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 547
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 548
I must retire to my room for a moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 549
Gwendolen, wait here for me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 550
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 551
If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 552
[Exit Jack in great excitement.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 553
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 554
What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 555
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 556
I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 557
unit 558
They are hardly considered the thing.
3 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 559
[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 560
Every one looks up.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 561
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 562
Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 563
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 564
Your guardian has a very emotional nature.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 565
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 566
This noise is extremely unpleasant.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 567
It sounds as if he was having an argument.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 568
I dislike arguments of any kind.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 569
They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 570
Chasuble.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 571
[Looking up.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 572
It has stopped now.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 573
[The noise is redoubled.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 574
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 575
I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 576
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 577
This suspense is terrible.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 578
I hope it will last.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 579
[Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 580
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 581
[Rushing over to Miss Prism.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 582
Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 583
Examine it carefully before you speak.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 584
The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 585
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 586
[Calmly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 587
It seems to be mine.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 590
And here, on the lock, are my initials.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 591
I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 592
The bag is undoubtedly mine.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 593
I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 594
It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 595
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 596
[In a pathetic voice.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 597
Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 598
I was the baby you placed in it.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 599
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 600
[Amazed.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 601
You?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 602
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 603
[Embracing her.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 604
Yes .
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 605
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 606
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 607
mother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 608
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 609
[Recoiling in indignant astonishment.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 610
Mr. Worthing!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 611
I am unmarried!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 612
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 613
Unmarried!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 614
I do not deny that is a serious blow.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 615
But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 616
Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 617
Why should there be one law for men, and another for women?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 618
Mother, I forgive you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 619
[Tries to embrace her again.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 620
Miss Prism.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 621
[Still more indignant.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 622
Mr. Worthing, there is some error.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 623
[Pointing to Lady Bracknell.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 624
There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 625
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 626
[After a pause.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 627
Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 628
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 629
I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 630
You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon’s elder brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 631
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 632
Algy’s elder brother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 633
Then I have a brother after all.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 634
I knew I had a brother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 635
I always said I had a brother!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 636
Cecily,—how could you have ever doubted that I had a brother?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 637
[Seizes hold of Algernon.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 638
Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 639
Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 640
Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 641
Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more respect in the future.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 642
You have never behaved to me like a brother in all your life.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 643
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 644
Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 645
I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 646
[Shakes hands.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 647
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 648
[To Jack.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 649
My own!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 650
But what own are you?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 651
What is your Christian name, now that you have become some one else?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 652
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 653
Good heavens!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 654
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 655
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 656
.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 657
I had quite forgotten that point.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 658
Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I suppose?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 659
Gwendolen.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 660
I never change, except in my affections.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 661
Cecily.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 662
What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 663
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 664
Then the question had better be cleared up at once.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 665
Aunt Augusta, a moment.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 666
At the time when Miss Prism left me in the hand-bag, had I been christened already?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 667
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 669
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 670
Then I was christened!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 671
That is settled.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 672
Now, what name was I given?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 673
Let me know the worst.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 674
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 675
Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 676
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 677
[Irritably.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 678
Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 679
Lady Bracknell.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 680
[Meditatively.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 681
I cannot at the present moment recall what the General’s Christian name was.
3 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 682
But I have no doubt he had one.
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 683
He was eccentric, I admit.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 684
But only in later years.
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unit 686
Jack.
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unit 687
Algy!
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unit 688
Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 689
Algernon.
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unit 690
My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 691
He died before I was a year old.
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unit 692
Jack.
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unit 693
His name would appear in the Army Lists of the period, I suppose, Aunt Augusta?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 694
Lady Bracknell.
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unit 695
The General was essentially a man of peace, except in his domestic life.
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unit 696
But I have no doubt his name would appear in any military directory.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 697
Jack.
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unit 698
The Army Lists of the last forty years are here.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 699
These delightful records should have been my constant study.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 700
[Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.]
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 701
M. Generals .
2 Translations, 2 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 702
.
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unit 703
.
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unit 704
Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, what ghastly names they have—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 705
Lieutenant 1840, Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest John.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 706
[Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 707
I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn’t I?
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 708
Well, it is Ernest after all.
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unit 709
I mean it naturally is Ernest.
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unit 710
Lady Bracknell.
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unit 712
Gwendolen.
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unit 713
Ernest!
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unit 714
My own Ernest!
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unit 715
I felt from the first that you could have no other name!
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unit 716
Jack.
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unit 718
Can you forgive me?
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago
unit 719
Gwendolen.
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unit 720
I can.
2 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 721
For I feel that you are sure to change.
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unit 722
Jack.
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unit 723
My own one!
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unit 724
Chasuble.
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unit 725
[To Miss Prism.]
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unit 726
Lætitia!
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unit 727
[Embraces her] Miss Prism.
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unit 728
[Enthusiastically.]
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unit 729
Frederick!
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unit 730
At last!
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unit 731
Algernon.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 732
Cecily!
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unit 733
[Embraces her.]
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unit 734
At last!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 735
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 736
Gwendolen!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 737
[Embraces her.]
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 738
At last!
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 739
Lady Bracknell.
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unit 740
My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
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unit 741
Jack.
1 Translations, 1 Upvotes, Last Activity 7 years, 8 months ago
unit 743
TABLEAU ***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST***
1 Translations, 3 Upvotes, Last Activity 6 years, 3 months ago

Ceci est la continuation de la pièce de théâtre pour laquelle nous avons complété les actes I et II précédemment.

by markvanroode 7 years, 9 months ago

The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar
Wilde.

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.

ACT III.

SCENE
Morning-room at the Manor House.
[Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]
Gwendolen. The fact that they did not follow us at once into the house, as any one else would have done, seems to me to show that they have some sense of shame left.
Cecily. They have been eating muffins. That looks like repentance.
Gwendolen. [After a pause.] They don’t seem to notice us at all. Couldn’t you cough?
Cecily. But I haven’t got a cough.
Gwendolen. They’re looking at us. What effrontery!
Cecily. They’re approaching. That’s very forward of them.
Gwendolen. Let us preserve a dignified silence.
Cecily. Certainly. It’s the only thing to do now. [Enter Jack followed by Algernon. They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.]
Gwendolen. This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect.
Cecily. A most distasteful one.
Gwendolen. But we will not be the first to speak.
Cecily. Certainly not.
Gwendolen. Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you. Much depends on your reply.
Cecily. Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. Mr. Moncrieff, kindly answer me the following question. Why did you pretend to be my guardian’s brother?
Algernon. In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
Cecily. [To Gwendolen.] That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
Gwendolen. Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
Cecily. I don’t. But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
Gwendolen. True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing. Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother? Was it in order that you might have an opportunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible?
Jack. Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?
Gwendolen. I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. But I intend to crush them. This is not the moment for German scepticism. [Moving to Cecily.] Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s. That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.
Cecily. I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.
Gwendolen. Then you think we should forgive them?
Cecily. Yes. I mean no.
Gwendolen. True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant one.
Cecily. Could we not both speak at the same time?
Gwendolen. An excellent idea! I nearly always speak at the same time as other people. Will you take the time from me?
Cecily. Certainly. [Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.]
Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all!
Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon.
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?
Jack. I am.
Cecily. [To Algernon.] To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
Algernon. I am!
Gwendolen. How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us.
Jack. We are. [Clasps hands with Algernon.]
Cecily. They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing.
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] Darling!
Algernon. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.]
[Enter Merriman. When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.]
Merriman. Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell!
Jack. Good heavens!
[Enter Lady Bracknell. The couples separate in alarm. Exit Merriman.]
Lady Bracknell. Gwendolen! What does this mean?
Gwendolen. Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
Lady Bracknell. Come here. Sit down. Sit down immediately. Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the young, of physical weakness in the old. [Turns to Jack.] Apprised, sir, of my daughter’s sudden flight by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once by a luggage train. Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent income on Thought. I do not propose to undeceive him. Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question. I would consider it wrong. But of course, you will clearly understand that all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment. On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
Jack. I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell!
Lady Bracknell. You are nothing of the kind, sir. And now, as regards Algernon! . . . Algernon!
Algernon. Yes, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. May I ask if it is in this house that your invalid friend Mr. Bunbury resides?
Algernon. [Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn’t live here. Bunbury is somewhere else at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead.
Lady Bracknell. Dead! When did Mr. Bunbury die? His death must have been extremely sudden.
Algernon. [Airily.] Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this afternoon.
Lady Bracknell. What did he die of?
Algernon. Bunbury? Oh, he was quite exploded.
Lady Bracknell. Exploded! Was he the victim of a revolutionary outrage? I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
Algernon. My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died.
Lady Bracknell. He seems to have had great confidence in the opinion of his physicians. I am glad, however, that he made up his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted under proper medical advice. And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr. Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?
Jack. That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward. [Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]
Algernon. I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. I beg your pardon?
Cecily. Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. [With a shiver, crossing to the sofa and sitting down.] I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Hertfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance. I think some preliminary inquiry on my part would not be out of place. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly furious, but restrains himself.]
Jack. [In a clear, cold voice.] Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proof have I of their authenticity?
Jack. I have carefully preserved the Court Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. [Grimly.] I have known strange errors in that publication.
Jack. Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.
Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that one of the Mr. Markby’s is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far I am satisfied.
Jack. [Very irritably.] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew’s birth, baptism, whooping cough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both the German and the English variety.
Lady Bracknell. Ah! A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl. I am not myself in favour of premature experiences. [Rises, looks at her watch.] Gwendolen! the time approaches for our departure. We have not a moment to lose. As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has any little fortune?
Jack. Oh! about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds. That is all. Goodbye, Lady Bracknell. So pleased to have seen you.
Lady Bracknell. [Sitting down again.] A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her. Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. [To Cecily.] Come over here, dear. [Cecily goes across.] Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all that. A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I remember recommending one to young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her.
Jack. And after six months nobody knew her.
Lady Bracknell. [Glares at Jack for a few moments. Then bends, with a practised smile, to Cecily.] Kindly turn round, sweet child. [Cecily turns completely round.] No, the side view is what I want. [Cecily presents her profile.] Yes, quite as I expected. There are distinct social possibilities in your profile. The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile. The chin a little higher, dear. Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present. Algernon!
Algernon. Yes, Aunt Augusta!
Lady Bracknell. There are distinct social possibilities in Miss Cardew’s profile.
Algernon. Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities.
Lady Bracknell. Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can’t get into it do that. [To Cecily.] Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon. But I do not approve of mercenary marriages. When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind. But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way. Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
Algernon. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. Cecily, you may kiss me!
Cecily. [Kisses her.] Thank you, Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bracknell. You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
Cecily. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
Algernon. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Cecily. Thank you, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell. To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
Jack. I beg your pardon for interrupting you, Lady Bracknell, but this engagement is quite out of the question. I am Miss Cardew’s guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she comes of age. That consent I absolutely decline to give.
Lady Bracknell. Upon what grounds may I ask? Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man. He has nothing, but he looks everything. What more can one desire?
Jack. It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not approve at all of his moral character. I suspect him of being untruthful. [Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
Lady Bracknell. Untruthful! My nephew Algernon? Impossible! He is an Oxonian.
Jack. I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter. This afternoon during my temporary absence in London on an important question of romance, he obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he drank, I’ve just been informed by my butler, an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet, Brut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving for myself. Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my only ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don’t intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told him so myself yesterday afternoon.
Lady Bracknell. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook my nephew’s conduct to you.
Jack. That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell. My own decision, however, is unalterable. I decline to give my consent.
Lady Bracknell. [To Cecily.] Come here, sweet child. [Cecily goes over.] How old are you, dear?
Cecily. Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go to evening parties.
Lady Bracknell. You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. It looks so calculating . . . [In a meditative manner.] Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. Well, it will not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage. So I don’t think your guardian’s consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.
Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again, but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her grandfather’s will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is thirty-five.
Lady Bracknell. That does not seem to me to be a grave objection. Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years. Lady Dumbleton is an instance in point. To my own knowledge she has been thirty-five ever since she arrived at the age of forty, which was many years ago now. I see no reason why our dear Cecily should not be even still more attractive at the age you mention than she is at present. There will be a large accumulation of property.
Cecily. Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
Algernon. Of course I could, Cecily. You know I could.
Cecily. Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time. I hate waiting even five minutes for anybody. It always makes me rather cross. I am not punctual myself, I know, but I do like punctuality in others, and waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question.
Algernon. Then what is to be done, Cecily?
Cecily. I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff.
Lady Bracknell. My dear Mr. Worthing, as Miss Cardew states positively that she cannot wait till she is thirty-five—a remark which I am bound to say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient nature—I would beg of you to reconsider your decision.
Jack. But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands. The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my ward.
Lady Bracknell. [Rising and drawing herself up.] You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of the question.
Jack. Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward to.
Lady Bracknell. That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen. Algernon, of course, can choose for himself. [Pulls out her watch.] Come, dear, [Gwendolen rises] we have already missed five, if not six, trains. To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform.
[Enter Dr. Chasuble.]
Chasuble. Everything is quite ready for the christenings.
Lady Bracknell. The christenings, sir! Is not that somewhat premature?
Chasuble. [Looking rather puzzled, and pointing to Jack and Algernon.] Both these gentlemen have expressed a desire for immediate baptism.
Lady Bracknell. At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.
Chasuble. Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?
Jack. I don’t think that, as things are now, it would be of much practical value to either of us, Dr. Chasuble.
Chasuble. I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing. They savour of the heretical views of the Anabaptists, views that I have completely refuted in four of my unpublished sermons. However, as your present mood seems to be one peculiarly secular, I will return to the church at once. Indeed, I have just been informed by the pew-opener that for the last hour and a half Miss Prism has been waiting for me in the vestry.
Lady Bracknell. [Starting.] Miss Prism! Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?
Chasuble. Yes, Lady Bracknell. I am on my way to join her.
Lady Bracknell. Pray allow me to detain you for a moment. This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself. Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with education?
Chasuble. [Somewhat indignantly.] She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.
Lady Bracknell. It is obviously the same person. May I ask what position she holds in your household?
Chasuble. [Severely.] I am a celibate, madam.
Jack. [Interposing.] Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years Miss Cardew’s esteemed governess and valued companion.
Lady Bracknell. In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once. Let her be sent for.
Chasuble. [Looking off.] She approaches; she is nigh.
[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]
Miss Prism. I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon. I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters. [Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony glare. Miss Prism grows pale and quails. She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]
Lady Bracknell. [In a severe, judicial voice.] Prism! [Miss Prism bows her head in shame.] Come here, Prism! [Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.] Prism! Where is that baby? [General consternation. The Canon starts back in horror. Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.] Twenty-eight years ago, Prism, you left Lord Bracknell’s house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor Street, in charge of a perambulator that contained a baby of the male sex. You never returned. A few weeks later, through the elaborate investigations of the Metropolitan police, the perambulator was discovered at midnight, standing by itself in a remote corner of Bayswater. It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually revolting sentimentality. [Miss Prism starts in involuntary indignation.] But the baby was not there! [Every one looks at Miss Prism.] Prism! Where is that baby? [A pause.]
Miss Prism. Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know. I only wish I did. The plain facts of the case are these. On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is for ever branded on my memory, I prepared as usual to take the baby out in its perambulator. I had also with me a somewhat old, but capacious hand-bag in which I had intended to place the manuscript of a work of fiction that I had written during my few unoccupied hours. In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I never can forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the basinette, and placed the baby in the hand-bag.
Jack. [Who has been listening attentively.] But where did you deposit the hand-bag?
Miss Prism. Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.
Jack. Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me. I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.
Miss Prism. I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.
Jack. What railway station?
Miss Prism. [Quite crushed.] Victoria. The Brighton line. [Sinks into a chair.]
Jack. I must retire to my room for a moment. Gwendolen, wait here for me.
Gwendolen. If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life. [Exit Jack in great excitement.]
Chasuble. What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
Lady Bracknell. I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble. I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur. They are hardly considered the thing.
[Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about. Every one looks up.]
Cecily. Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
Chasuble. Your guardian has a very emotional nature.
Lady Bracknell. This noise is extremely unpleasant. It sounds as if he was having an argument. I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
Chasuble. [Looking up.] It has stopped now. [The noise is redoubled.]
Lady Bracknell. I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
Gwendolen. This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last. [Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]
Jack. [Rushing over to Miss Prism.] Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism? Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
Miss Prism. [Calmly.] It seems to be mine. Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier days. Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington. And here, on the lock, are my initials. I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there. The bag is undoubtedly mine. I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me. It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.
Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it.
Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You?
Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother!
Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried!
Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.]
Miss Prism. [Still more indignant.] Mr. Worthing, there is some error. [Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.
Jack. [After a pause.] Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would you kindly inform me who I am?
Lady Bracknell. I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you. You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon’s elder brother.
Jack. Algy’s elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I had a brother! I always said I had a brother! Cecily,—how could you have ever doubted that I had a brother? [Seizes hold of Algernon.] Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother. Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother. Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother. Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more respect in the future. You have never behaved to me like a brother in all your life.
Algernon. Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit. I did my best, however, though I was out of practice.
[Shakes hands.]
Gwendolen. [To Jack.] My own! But what own are you? What is your Christian name, now that you have become some one else?
Jack. Good heavens! . . . I had quite forgotten that point. Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I suppose?
Gwendolen. I never change, except in my affections.
Cecily. What a noble nature you have, Gwendolen!
Jack. Then the question had better be cleared up at once. Aunt Augusta, a moment. At the time when Miss Prism left me in the hand-bag, had I been christened already?
Lady Bracknell. Every luxury that money could buy, including christening, had been lavished on you by your fond and doting parents.
Jack. Then I was christened! That is settled. Now, what name was I given? Let me know the worst.
Lady Bracknell. Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
Jack. [Irritably.] Yes, but what was my father’s Christian name?
Lady Bracknell. [Meditatively.] I cannot at the present moment recall what the General’s Christian name was. But I have no doubt he had one. He was eccentric, I admit. But only in later years. And that was the result of the Indian climate, and marriage, and indigestion, and other things of that kind.
Jack. Algy! Can’t you recollect what our father’s Christian name was?
Algernon. My dear boy, we were never even on speaking terms. He died before I was a year old.
Jack. His name would appear in the Army Lists of the period, I suppose, Aunt Augusta?
Lady Bracknell. The General was essentially a man of peace, except in his domestic life. But I have no doubt his name would appear in any military directory.
Jack. The Army Lists of the last forty years are here. These delightful records should have been my constant study. [Rushes to bookcase and tears the books out.] M. Generals . . . Mallam, Maxbohm, Magley, what ghastly names they have—Markby, Migsby, Mobbs, Moncrieff! Lieutenant 1840, Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest John. [Puts book very quietly down and speaks quite calmly.] I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn’t I? Well, it is Ernest after all. I mean it naturally is Ernest.
Lady Bracknell. Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for disliking the name.
Gwendolen. Ernest! My own Ernest! I felt from the first that you could have no other name!
Jack. Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?
Gwendolen. I can. For I feel that you are sure to change.
Jack. My own one!
Chasuble. [To Miss Prism.] Lætitia! [Embraces her]
Miss Prism. [Enthusiastically.] Frederick! At last!
Algernon. Cecily! [Embraces her.] At last!
Jack. Gwendolen! [Embraces her.] At last!
Lady Bracknell. My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
Jack. On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.
TABLEAU
***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST***