CHASUBLE.
You need have no apprehensions. Sprinkling is all that is necessary, or indeed I think advisable. Our weather is so changeable. At what hour would you wish the ceremony performed?
JACK.
Oh, I might trot round about five if that would suit you.
CHASUBLE.
Perfectly, perfectly! In fact I have two similar ceremonies to perform at that time. A case of twins that occurred recently in one of the outlying cottages on your own estate. Poor Jenkins the carter, a most hard-working man.
JACK.
Oh! I don’t see much fun in being christened along with other babies. It would be childish. Would half-past five do?
CHASUBLE.
Admirably! Admirably! [Takes out watch.] And now, dear Mr. Worthing, I will not intrude any longer into a house of sorrow. I would merely beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.
MISS PRISM.
This seems to me a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
[Enter Cecily from the house.]
CECILY.
Uncle Jack! Oh, I am pleased to see you back. But what horrid clothes you have got on! Do go and change them.
MISS PRISM.
Cecily!
CHASUBLE.
My child! my child! [Cecily goes towards Jack; he kisses her brow in a melancholy manner.]