Cecily Uncle Jack, you are not going to refuse your own brother’s hand?

Jack Nothing will induce me to take his hand. I think his coming down here disgraceful. He knows perfectly well why.

Cecily Uncle Jack, do be nice. There is some good in everyone. Ernest has just been telling me about his poor invalid friend Mr Bunbury whom he goes to visit so often. And surely there must be much good in one who is kind to an invalid, and leaves the pleasures of London to sit by a bed of pain.

Jack Oh! he has been talking about Bunbury, has he?

Cecily Yes, he has told me all about poor Mr Bunbury, and his terrible state of health.

Jack Bunbury! Well, I won’t have him talk to you about Bunbury or about anything else. It is enough to drive one perfectly frantic.

Algernon Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side. But I must say that I think that Brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I expected a more enthusiastic welcome, especially considering it is the first time I have come here.

Cecily Uncle Jack,° if you don’t shake hands with Ernest I will never forgive you.

Jack Never forgive me?

Cecily Never, never, never!

Jack Well, this is the last time I shall ever do it. (Shakes hands with Algernon and glares)

Chasuble It’s pleasant, is it not, to see so perfect a reconciliation? I think we might leave the two brothers together.

Miss Prism Cecily, you will come with us.

Cecily Certainly, Miss Prism. My little task of reconciliation is over.

Chasuble You have done a beautiful action today, dear child.

Miss Prism We must not be premature in our judgements.

Cecily I feel very happy.°

They all go off except Jack and Algernon

Jack You young scoundrel, Algy, you must get out of this place as soon as possible. I don’t allow any Bunburying here.

Enter Merriman

Merriman I have put Mr Ernest’s things in the room next to yours, sir. I suppose that is all right?

Jack What?

Merriman Mr Ernest’s luggage, sir. I have unpacked it and put it in the room next to your own.

Jack His luggage?

Merriman Yes, sir. Three portmanteaus, a dressing-case,° two hat-boxes, and a large luncheon-basket.