CHASUBLE.
But is a man not equally attractive when married?
MISS PRISM.
No married man is ever attractive except to his wife.
CHASUBLE.
And often, I’ve been told, not even to her.
MISS PRISM.
That depends on the intellectual sympathies of the woman. Maturity can always be depended on. Ripeness can be trusted. Young women are green. [Dr. Chasuble starts.] I spoke horticulturally. My metaphor was drawn from fruits. But where is Cecily?
CHASUBLE.
Perhaps she followed us to the schools.
[Enter Jack slowly from the back of the garden. He is dressed in the deepest mourning, with crape hatband and black gloves.]
MISS PRISM.
Mr. Worthing!
CHASUBLE.
Mr. Worthing?
MISS PRISM.
This is indeed a surprise. We did not look for you till Monday afternoon.
JACK.
[Shakes Miss Prism’s hand in a tragic manner.] I have returned sooner than I expected. Dr. Chasuble, I hope you are well?