herself in. Is it?
GWENDOLEN
Let us go into the house. They will hardly venture to come after
us there.
CECILY
No, men are so cowardly, aren't they?
[They retire into the house with scornfid looks.]
JACK
This ghastly state of things is what you call Bunburying, I suppose?
ALGERNON
Yes, and a perfectly wonderful Bunbury it is. The most wonderful
Bunbury I have ever had in my life.
JACK
Well, you've no right whatsoever to Bunbury here.
ALGERNON
That is absurd. One has a right to Bunbury anywhere one chooses.
Every serious Bunburyist knows that.
JACK
Serious Bunburyist! Good heavens!
ALGERNON
Well, one must be serious about something, if one wants to have
any amusement in life. I happen to be serious about Bunburying. What on
earth you are serious about I haven't got the remotest idea. About every
thing, I should fancy. You have such an absolutely trivial nature.
JACK
Well, the only small satisfaction I have in the whole of this wretched
business is that your friend Bunbury is quite exploded. You won't be able
to run down to the country quite so often as you used to do, dear Algy. And
a very good thing too.
ALGERNON
Your brother is a little off-colour, isn't he, dear Jack? You won't
be able to disappear to London quite so frequently as your wicked custom
was. And not a bad thing either.
JACK
AS for your conduct towards Miss Cardew, I must say that your taking in a sweet, simple, innocent girl like that is quite inexcusable. To say nothing
of the fact that she is my ward.
ALGERNON
I can see no possible defence at all for your deceiving a brilliant,
clever, thoroughly experienced young lady like Miss Fairfax. To say nothing
of the fact that she is my cousin.
JACK
I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all. I love her. ALGERNON
Well, I simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily. I adore her.
JACK
There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew.
ALGERNON
I don't think there is much likelihood, Jack, of you and Miss Fair-
fax being united.
JACK
