Cecily. Are you called Algernon?
Algernon. I cannot deny it.
Cecily. Oh!
Gwendolen. Is your name really John?
Jack. [Standing rather proudly.] I could deny it if I liked. I could deny
anything if I liked. But my name certainly is John. It has been John for years.
Cecily.'>Cecily. [To
Gwendolen .] A gross deception has been practised on both of
us.
Gwendolen. My poor wounded Cecily!
Cecily. My sweet wronged Gwendolen!
Gwendolen. [Slowly and seriously.] You will call me sister, will you
not? [They embrace.
Jack and
Algernon groan and walk up and down.]
Cecily. [Rather brightly.] There is just one question I would like to be
allowed to ask my guardian.
Gwendolen. An admirable idea! Mr. Worthing, there is just one question I
would like to be permitted to put to you. Where is your brother Ernest? We
are both engaged to be married to your brother Ernest, so it is a matter of
some importance to us to know where your brother Ernest is at present.
Jack. [Slowly and hesitatingly.] Gwendolen—Cecily—it is very painful for
me to be forced to speak the truth. It is the first time in my life that I have
ever been reduced to such a painful position, and I am really quite
inexperienced in doing anything of the kind. However, I will tell you quite
frankly that I have no brother Ernest. I have no brother at all. I never had a
brother in my life, and I certainly have not the smallest intention of ever
having one in the future.
Cecily. [Surprised.] No brother at all?
Jack. [Cheerily.] None!
Gwendolen. [Severely.] Had you never a brother of any kind?
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