The Importance of Being Earnest

Jack.
[Pleasantly.] Never. Not even of an kind. 
Gwendolen.
I am afraid it is quite clear, Cecily, that neither of us is engaged 
to be married to any one. 
Cecily.
It is not a very pleasant position for a young girl suddenly to find 
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 scornful 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 
everything, 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. 
54

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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.