The Importance of Being Earnest

Algernon.
[Languidly
.
] I don’t know that I am much interested in your 
family life, Lane. 
Lane.
No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself. 
Algernon.
Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you. 
Lane.
Thank you, sir. [
Lane
goes out.] 
Algernon.
Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the 
lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of 
them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral 
responsibility. 
[Enter 
Lane
.] 
Lane.
Mr. Ernest Worthing. 
[Enter 
Jack
.] 
[
Lane
goes out
.
] 
Algernon.
How are you, my dear Ernest? What brings you up to town? 
Algernon._What_on_earth_do_you_do_there_Jack.'>Jack.
Oh, pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring one anywhere? Eating 
as usual, I see, Algy! 
Algernon.
[Stiffly
.
] I believe it is customary in good society to take some 
slight refreshment at five o’clock. Where have you been since last Thursday? 
Jack.
[Sitting down on the sofa.] In the country. 
Algernon.
What on earth do you do there? 
Jack.
[Pulling off his gloves
.
] When one is in town one amuses 
oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people. It is 
excessively boring. 
3

---

Algernon.
And who are the people you amuse? 
Jack.
[Airily
.
] Oh, neighbours, neighbours. 
Algernon.
Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire? 
Jack.
Perfectly horrid! Never speak to one of them.