And how are we this morning? Miss Prism, you are, I trust, well?
CECILY
Miss Prism has just been complaining of a slight headache. I think
it would do her so much good to have a short stroll with you in the Park,
Dr. Chasuble.
MISS PRISM
Cecily, I have not mentioned anything about a headache.
CECILY
No, dear Miss Prism, I know that, but I felt instinctively that you had
a headache. Indeed I was thinking about that, and not about my German
lesson, when the Rector came in.
CHASUBLE
I hope, Cecily, you are not inattentive.
CECILY
Oh, I am afraid I am.
CHASUBLE
That is strange. Were I fortunate enough to be Miss Prism's pupil, I would hang upon her lips, [MISS PRISM glares.] I spoke metaphorically.? My metaphor was drawn from bees. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, I suppose, has
not returned from town yet?
MISS PRISM
We do not expect him till Monday afternoon. CHASUBLE Ah yes, he usually likes to spend his Sunday in London. He is not one of those whose sole aim is enjoyment, as, by all accounts, that unfor
tunate young man his brother seems to be. But I must not disturb Egeria1
and her pupil any longer.
MISS PRISM
Egeria? My name is Laetitia, Doctor. CHASUBLE [Bowing.] A classical allusion merely, drawn from the Pagan authors. I shall see you both no doubt at Evensong?2
MISS PRISM
I think, dear Doctor, I will have a stroll with you. I find I have a headache after all, and a walk might do it good.
CHASUBLE
With pleasure, Miss Prism, with pleasure. We might go as far as
the schools and back.
MISS PRISM
That would be delightful. Cecily, you will read your Political
Economy3 in my absence. The chapter on the Fall of the Rupee4 you may
omit. It is somewhat too sensational. Even these metallic problems have their melodramatic side. [Goes down the garden with
DR. CHASUBLE.] CECILY [Piclis up hooks and throws them hack on table. ] Horrid Political Economy! Horrid Geography! Horrid, horrid German!
[Enter MERRIMAN with a card on a salver.]
MERRIMAN
Mr. Ernest Worthing has just driven over from the station. He
has brought his luggage with him.
9. A chasuble is an ornate garment worn by a 2. Evening church services. priest. 3. I.e., book about economics. 1. In Roman legend a nymph who gave counsel to 4. The basic unit of currency in India. British civil the second king of Rome. Her name was therefore servants who worked in India were paid in rupees also used as an epithet for a woman who provides and would suffer from its fall in value. guidance.
.
1 1716 / OSCAR WILDE
CECILY [Takes the card and reads it.] 'Mr. Ernest Worthing, B. 4, The Albany, W.' Uncle Jack's brother! Did you tell him Mr. Worthing was in town?
MERRIMAN
Yes, Miss. He seemed very much disappointed. I mentioned that
you and Miss Prism were in the garden. He said he was anxious to speak to
