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

Merriman (looks at Cecily, who makes no sign) Yes, sir.

Merriman retires

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

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

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

Algernon For the last three months?

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

Algernon But how did we become engaged?

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

Algernon Darling! And when was the engagement actually settled?

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

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

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

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

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

Algernon Oh, do let me read them, Cecily!

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

Algernon But was our engagement ever broken off?

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

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