The Importance of Being Earnest

Jack.
[Rushing over to 
Miss Prism
.] Is this the hand-bag, Miss 
Prism? Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than 
one life depends on your answer. 
Miss Prism.
[Calmly.] It seems to be mine. Yes, here is the injury it received 
through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier 
days. Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a 
temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington. And here, 
on the lock, are my initials. I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I 
had had them placed there. The bag is undoubtedly mine. I am delighted to 
have it so unexpectedly restored to me. It has been a great inconvenience 
being without it all these years. 
Jack.
[In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this 
hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. 
Miss Prism.
[Amazed.] You? 
Jack.
[Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother! 
70

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Miss Prism.
[Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am 
unmarried! 
Jack.
Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has 
the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance 
wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another 
for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.] 
Miss Prism.
[Still more indignant.] Mr. Worthing, there is some 
error. [Pointing to 
Lady Bracknell
.] There is the lady who can tell you who 
you really are. 
Jack.
[After a pause.] Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but would 
you kindly inform me who I am? 
Lady Bracknell.
I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not 
altogether please you. You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, 
and consequently Algernon’s elder brother. 
Jack.
Algy’s elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I had a 
brother! I always said I had a brother! Cecily,—how could you have ever 
doubted that I had a brother? [Seizes hold of 
Algernon
.] Dr. Chasuble, my 
unfortunate brother. Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother. Gwendolen, my 
unfortunate brother. Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me 
with more respect in the future. You have never behaved to me like a 
brother in all your life.