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

Algernon (crossing to her, and kneeling) What a perfect angel you are, Cecily.

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

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

Cecily I am so glad.

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

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

Algernon (nervously) —Yes, of course.

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

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

Cecily But what name?

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

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

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

Cecily (rising) I might respect you, Ernest, I might admire your character, but I fear that I should not be able to give you my undivided attention.

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

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

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

Cecily Oh!

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

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

Algernon I’ll be back in no time.