Merriman , followed by the footman. He carries a salver, table cloth,
and plate stand.
Cecily is about to retort. The presence of the servants
exercises a restraining influence, under which both girls chafe.]
Merriman. Shall I lay tea here as usual, Miss?
Cecily. [Sternly, in a calm voice.] Yes, as usual. [
Merriman begins to clear
table and lay cloth. A long pause.
Cecily and
Gwendolen glare at each
other.]
Gwendolen._Five_counties!_I_don’t_think_I_should_like_that;_I_hate_crowds._Cecily._[Sweetly.]_I_suppose_that_is_why_you_live_in_town_[_Gwendolen'>Gwendolen. Are there many interesting walks in the vicinity, Miss Cardew?
Cecily. Oh! yes! a great many. From the top of one of the hills quite close
one can see five counties.
Gwendolen. Five counties! I don’t think I should like that; I hate crowds.
Cecily. [Sweetly.] I suppose that is why you live in town? [
Gwendolen bites
her lip, and beats her foot nervously with her parasol.]
Gwendolen. [Looking round.] Quite a well-kept garden this is, Miss Cardew.
Cecily. So glad you like it, Miss Fairfax.
Gwendolen. I had no idea there were any flowers in the country.
Cecily. Oh, flowers are as common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in
London.
Gwendolen. Personally I cannot understand how anybody manages to exist
in the country, if anybody who is anybody does. The country always bores
me to death.
Cecily. Ah! This is what the newspapers call agricultural depression, is it
not? I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much from it just at
present. It is almost an epidemic amongst them, I have been told. May I
offer you some tea, Miss Fairfax?
Gwendolen. [With elaborate politeness.] Thank you. [Aside.] Detestable
girl! But I require tea!
