Gwendolen Algy, kindly turn your back.° I have something very particular to say to Mr Worthing.

Algernon Really, Gwendolen, I don’t think I can allow this at all.°

Gwendolen Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral attitude towards life. You are not quite old enough to do that. (Algernon retires to the fireplace)

Jack My own darling!

Gwendolen Ernest, we may never be married. From the expression on mamma’s face I fear we never shall. Few parents nowadays pay any regard to what their children say to them. The old-fashioned respect for the young is fast dying out. Whatever influence I ever had over mamma, I lost at the age of three. But although she may prevent us from becoming man and wife, and I may marry someone else, and marry often, nothing that she can possibly do can alter my eternal devotion to you.

Jack Dear Gwendolen!

Gwendolen The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by mamma, with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the deeper fibres of my nature. Your Christian name has an irresistible fascination. The simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to me. Your town address at the Albany I have. What is your address in the country?

Jack The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire.°

Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and writes the address on his shirt-cuff. Then picks up the Railway Guide.

Gwendolen There is a good postal service, I suppose? It may be necessary to do something desperate. That of course will require serious consideration. I will communicate with you daily.

Jack My own one!

Gwendolen How long do you remain in town?

Jack Till Monday.

Gwendolen Good! Algy, you may turn round now.

Algernon Thanks, I’ve turned round already.

Gwendolen You may also ring the bell.

[Algernon rings bell]

Jack You will let me see you to your carriage, my own darling?

Gwendolen Certainly.

[Enter Lane]°

Jack I will see Miss Fairfax out.

Lane Yes, sir.

Jack and Gwendolen go off. Lane presents several letters on a salver, to Algernon. It is to be surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the envelopes, tears them up