Algernon A glass of sherry, Lane.

Lane Yes, sir.

Algernon Tomorrow, Lane, I’m going Bunburying.

Lane Yes, sir.

Algernon I shall probably not be back till Monday. You can put up° my dress clothes, my smoking jacket°, and all the Bunbury suits …

Lane Yes, sir. (Handing sherry)

Algernon I hope tomorrow will be a fine day, Lane.

Lane It never is, sir.

Algernon Lane, you’re a perfect pessimist.

Lane I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.

Enter Jack. Lane goes off

Jack There’s a sensible, intellectual girl! the only girl I ever cared for in my life. (Algernon is laughing immoderately) What on earth are you so amused at?

Algernon Oh, I’m a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all.

Jack If you don’t take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day.

Algernon I love scrapes. They are the only things that are never serious.

Jack Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy. You never talk anything but nonsense.

Algernon Nobody ever does.

Jack looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room. Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff,° and smiles.

Act Drop