Miss Prism Do not ask me, Mr Worthing.

Jack Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me. I insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that contained that infant.

Miss Prism I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.

Jack What railway station?

Miss Prism (quite crushed) Victoria. The Brighton line. (Sinks into a chair)

Jack I must retire to my room for a moment. Gwendolen, wait here for me.

Gwendolen If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.

Exit Jack in great excitement

Chasuble What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?

Lady Bracknell I dare not even suspect, Dr Chasuble. I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur. They are hardly considered the thing.

Noises heard overhead as if some one was throwing trunks about.

Everyone looks up

Cecily Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.

Chasuble Your guardian has a very emotional nature.

Lady Bracknell This noise is extremely unpleasant. It sounds as if he was having an argument. I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.

Chasuble (looking up) It has stopped now. (The noise is redoubled)

Lady Bracknell I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.

Gwendolen This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.

Enter Jack with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand

Jack (rushing over to Miss Prism) Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism? Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.

Miss Prism (calmly)° It seems to be mine. Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street° omnibus in younger and happier days. Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage,° an incident that occurred at Leamington.° And here, on the lock, are my initials. I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there. The bag is undoubtedly mine. I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me. It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.

Jack (in a pathetic voice) Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it.

Miss Prism (amazed) You?

Jack (embracing her). Yes—mother!