But why on earth did you break it off? What had I done? I had
done nothing at all. Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to hear you broke
it off. Particularly when the weather was so charming.
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
Yes, of course. [Nervously.]
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,
.
1 1724 / OSCAR WILDE
CECILY also.] There is something in that name that seems to inspire absolute confidence. 1 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
