But we will not be the first to speak.
CECILY
Certainly not.
GWENDOLEN
Mr. Worthing, I have something very particular to ask you. Much depends on your reply.
CECILY
Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable. Mr. Moncrieff, kindly
answer me the following question. Why did you pretend to be my guardian's
brother?
ALGERNON
In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you. CECILY [To GWENDOLEN.] That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not?
GWENDOLEN
Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
CECILY
I don't. But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
GWENDOLEN
True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the
vital thing. Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pre
tending to have a brother? Was it in order that you might have an oppor
5. A relatively informally furnished room for drawing room, a much more formal and elegant receiving visitors making morning calls (usually setting. close friends of the host or hostess). Afternoon vis-6. Probably a reference to one of the operas of itors, on the other hand, would be received in the W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan.
.
1 732 / OSCAR WILDE
tunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible?
JACK
Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax?
GWENDOLEN
I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. But I intend to crush them. This is not the moment for German scepticism.7 [Moving to CECILY.] Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worth
ing's. That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.
CECILY
1 am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity.
GWENDOLEN
Then you think we should forgive them?
CECILY
Yes. I mean no.
GWENDOLEN
True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one
cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant
one.
CECILY
Could we not both speak at the same time?
GWENDOLEN
An excellent idea! 1 nearly always speak at the same time as
other people. Will you take the time from me? CECILY Certainly. [GWENDOLEN beats time with uplifted finger.] GWENDOLEN AND CECILY
[Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all!
JACK AND ALGERNON
[Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that all?
