The Bishop, who was present, was much struck by some of the analogies I
drew.
.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, ACT 1 / 17 11
JACK
Ah! That reminds me, you mentioned christenings, I think, Dr. Chasuble? I suppose you know how to christen all right? [DR. CHASUBLE looks astounded.] I mean, of course, you are continually christening, aren't you?
MISS PRISM
It is, I regret to say, one of the Rector's most constant duties in
this parish. I have often spoken to the poorer classes on the subject. But
they don't seem to know what thrift is.
CHASUBLE
But is there any particular infant in whom you are interested, Mr. Worthing? Your brother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not?
JACK Oh yes. MISS PRISM [Bitterly.] People who live entirely for pleasure usually are. JACK But it is not for any child, dear Doctor. I am very fond of children. No!
the fact is, I would like to be christened myself, this afternoon, if you have
nothing better to do.
CHASUBLE
But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?
JACK
I don't remember anything about it.
CHASUBLE
But have you any grave doubts on the subject?
JACK
I certainly intend to have. Of course I don't know if the thing would bother you in any way, or if you think I am a little too old now. CHASUBLE Not at all. The sprinkling, and, indeed, the immersion of adults is a perfectly canonical practice.
JACK
Immersion! CHASUBLE You need have no apprehensions. Sprinkling is all that is necessary, or indeed I think advisable. Our weather is so changeable. At what
hour would you wish the ceremony performed?
JACK
Oh, I might trot round about five if that would suit you.
CHASUBLE
Perfectly, perfectly! In fact I have two similar ceremonies to per
form at that time. A case of twins that occurred recently in one of the
outlying cottages on your own estate. Poor Jenkins the carter, a most hard
working man.
JACK
Oh! I don't see much fun in being christened along with other babies. It would be childish. Would half-past five do? CHASUBLE Admirably! Admirably! [Takes out watch.] And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow. I would
merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to us
bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.
MISS PRISM
This seems to me a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
[Enter CECILY from the house.]
CECILY
Uncle Jack! Oh, I am pleased to see you back. But what horrid clothes
you have got on! Do go and change them.
MISS PRISM
Cecily! CHASUBLE My child! my child! [CECILY goes towards JACK; he kisses her brow in a melancholy manner.]
