The Importance of Being Earnest

Algernon.
Did I give you this? It’s very pretty, isn’t it? 
Cecily.
Yes, you’ve wonderfully good taste, Ernest. It’s the excuse I’ve 
always given for your leading such a bad life. And this is the box in which I 
keep all your dear letters. [Kneels at table, opens box, and produces letters 
tied up with blue ribbon.] 
Algernon.
My letters! But, my own sweet Cecily, I have never written you 
any letters. 
Cecily.
You need hardly remind me of that, Ernest. I remember only too 
well that I was forced to write your letters for you. I wrote always three 
times a week, and sometimes oftener. 
Cecily.'>Algernon.
Oh, do let me read them, Cecily? 
Cecily.
Oh, I couldn’t possibly. They would make you far too 
conceited. [Replaces box.] The three you wrote me after I had broken off 
the engagement are so beautiful, and so badly spelled, that even now I can 
hardly read them without crying a little. 
Algernon.
But was our engagement ever broken off? 
43

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Cecily.
Of course it was. On the 22nd of last March. You can see the entry if 
you like. [Shows diary.] ‘To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest. I 
feel it is better to do so. The weather still continues charming.’ 
Algernon.
But why on earth did you break it off? What had I done? I had 
done nothing at all. Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to hear you broke it 
off. Particularly when the weather was so charming. 
Cecily.
It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it hadn’t 
been broken off at least once. But I forgave you before the week was out. 
Algernon.
[Crossing to her, and kneeling.] What a perfect angel you are, 
Cecily. 
Cecily.
You dear romantic boy. [He kisses her, she puts her fingers through 
his hair.] I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?