The Importance of Being Earnest

Lane.
I do my best to give satisfaction, sir. 
25

---

[Enter 
Jack
.
Lane
goes off.] 
Jack.
There’s a sensible, intellectual girl! the only girl I ever cared for in my 
life. [
Algernon
is laughing immoderately.] What on earth are you so 
amused at? 
Algernon.
Oh, I’m a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all. 
Jack.
If you don’t take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious 
scrape some day. 
Algernon.
I love scrapes. They are the only things that are never serious. 
Jack.
Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy. You never talk anything but nonsense. 
Algernon.
Nobody ever does. 
[
Jack
looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room.
Algernon
lights a 
cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles.] 
ACT DROP 
26

---

S
ECOND 
A
CT
 
SCENE 
Garden at the Manor House. A flight of grey stone steps leads up to the 
house. The garden, an old-fashioned one, full of roses. Time of year, 
July. Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large 
yew-tree. 
[
Miss Prism
discovered seated at the table.
Cecily
is at the back watering 
flowers.] 
Miss Prism.
[Calling.] Cecily, Cecily! Surely such a utilitarian occupation as 
the watering of flowers is rather Moulton’s duty than yours? Especially at a 
moment when intellectual pleasures await you. Your German grammar is on 
the table. Pray open it at page fifteen. We will repeat yesterday’s lesson. 
Cecily.
[Coming over very slowly.] But I don’t like German. It isn’t at all a 
becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my 
German lesson. 
Miss Prism.
Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should 
improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on your German, as 
he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed, he always lays stress on your 
German when he is leaving for town.