The Importance of Being Earnest

Gwendolen.
Let us preserve a dignified silence. 
Cecily.
Certainly. It’s the only thing to do now. [Enter 
Jack
followed 
by 
Algernon
. They whistle some dreadful popular air from a British Opera.] 
Gwendolen.
This dignified silence seems to produce an unpleasant effect. 
Cecily.
A most distasteful one. 
Gwendolen.
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. 
58

---

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 
pretending to have a brother? Was it in order that you might have an 
opportunity 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. [Moving 
to 
Cecily
.] Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. 
Worthing’s. That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it.