Jack glares at him and does not take his hand.]
Cecily. Uncle Jack, you are not going to refuse your own brother’s hand?
Jack. Nothing will induce me to take his hand. I think his coming down here
disgraceful. He knows perfectly well why.
Cecily. Uncle Jack, do be nice. There is some good in every one. Ernest has
just been telling me about his poor invalid friend Mr. Bunbury whom he goes
to visit so often. And surely there must be much good in one who is kind to
an invalid, and leaves the pleasures of London to sit by a bed of pain.
Jack. Oh! he has been talking about Bunbury, has he?
Cecily. Yes, he has told me all about poor Mr. Bunbury, and his terrible state
of health.
Jack. Bunbury! Well, I won’t have him talk to you about Bunbury or about
anything else. It is enough to drive one perfectly frantic.
Algernon. Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side. But I must
say that I think that Brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I
expected a more enthusiastic welcome, especially considering it is the first
time I have come here.
Cecily. Uncle Jack, if you don’t shake hands with Ernest I will never forgive
you.
Jack. Never forgive me?
Cecily. Never, never, never!
Jack. Well, this is the last time I shall ever do it. [Shakes with
Algernon and
glares.]
Chasuble. It’s pleasant, is it not, to see so perfect a reconciliation? I think
we might leave the two brothers together.
Miss Prism. Cecily, you will come with us.
38
Cecily. Certainly, Miss Prism. My little task of reconciliation is over.