Dialogue For The Importance Of Being Earnet (Act 2)

The importance of being Earnest

Act II

(A garden at the country house full of roses; July; basket chairs & a table covered with books under e tree.)

[Miss Prism seated at the table, Cecily is watering flowers.]

Miss Prism: Cecily your German grammar is on the table.

Cecily: But I don’t like german!

Cecily: I see Dr Chasuble coming up through the garden.

[Enter Dr Chasuble]Miss Prism: Dr Chasuble what a pleasure!

Chasuble: how are you this morning ?

Cecily: Miss Prism has just been complaining of a slight headache. I think it would be good for her to have a walk with you in the park, Dr Chasuble

Miss Prism: I haven’t say anything about a headache!

Cecily: I know that Miss Prism, but I felt instinctively that you had a headache

Chasuble: I hope youare not trying to get away from your studies

Cecily: Oh, I am afraid I am

Chasuble: That is strange, were I fortunate to be miss prism pupil, I will hang up on her lips [Miss Prism glares] I´m speaking metaphorically. Eemmm, my metaphor is about bees. Ahem!

Mr. Worthing I suppose he has not returned from town yet?

[Enter Merriman with a card on a salver]

Merriman: Mr. EarnestWorthing has just driven over from the station. He has brought his luggage with him.

Cecily: Mr. Earnest Worthing. Uncle Jack’s brother! Did you tell him Mr. Worthing was in town?

Merriman: Yes Miss. He seemed very much disappointed. I tell him that you and Miss Prism were in the garden. He said he was anxious to talk to you privately for a moment.

Cecily: ask him to come here. I suppose youhad better talk to the housekeeper about a room for him.

Merriman: Yes Miss. [Merriman Goes off]

Cecily: I have never met a wicked person before. I am afraid he will looks just like everyone else.

[Enters Algernon very gay]

Algernon: [Raising his hat.] You are my little cousin Cecily, I’m sure.

Cecily: yes I am. I see from your card you are uncle Jack’s brother, my wicked cousinEarnest.

Algernon: . Oh! I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily. You mustn’t think that I am wicked.

Cecily: if you are not, then you have been cheating us all this time. I just hope you have not been holding a double life.

Algernon: [Looks at her in amazement.] Oh! Of course I have been rather reckless.

Cecily: I am glad to hear it.

Algernon: In fact, now you mention the subject,I have been very bad in my own small way.

Cecily: I don’t think you should be proud of that, but I am sure it has been very pleasant.

Algernon: It is much pleasanter being here with you.

Cecily:I don’t know how you are here if Uncle jack wont be back till Monday afternoon.

Algernon: That is a great disappointment. I am obliged to go up by the first train on Monday morning. I have abusiness appointment that I am anxious… to miss?

Cecily: Uncle Jack is sending you to Australia.

Algernon: Australia! I’d sooner die.

Cecily: he said you would have to choose between this world, the next or Australia.

Algernon: Oh, well! The accounts I have received of Australia and the next world, are not particularly encouraging. This world is good enough for me.

Cecily: yes, butare you good enough for it?

Algernon: I’m afraid I’m not that. That is why I want you to reform me. You might make that your mission, if you don’t mind.

Cecily: I’m afraid I have no time this afternoon.

Algernon: Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon?

Cecily: I think you should try.

Algernon: I will. I feel better already.

Cecily: you are looking a little worse.Algernon: That is because I am hungry.

Cecily: how thoughtless of me. Won’t you come in?

Algernon: Thank you. Might I have a buttonhole first? I never have any appetite unless I have a buttonhole first.

[They pass into the house, Miss. Prism and Dr. Chasuble returns]

Miss Prism: You are too much alone dear Mr. Chasuble. You should get married. A misanthrope I can understand – a...