GWENDOLEN.
From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt that you were false and deceitful. I am never deceived in such matters. My first impressions of people are invariably right.
CECILY.
It seems to me, Miss Fairfax, that I am trespassing on your valuable time. No doubt you have many other calls of a similar character to make in the neighbourhood.
[Enter Jack.]
GWENDOLEN.
[Catching sight of him.] Ernest! My own Ernest!
JACK.
Gwendolen! Darling! [Offers to kiss her.]
GWENDOLEN.
[Draws back.] A moment! May I ask if you are engaged to be married to this young lady? [Points to Cecily.]
JACK.
[Laughing.] To dear little Cecily! Of course not! What could have put such an idea into your pretty little head?
GWENDOLEN.
Thank you. You may! [Offers her cheek.]
CECILY.
[Very sweetly.] I knew there must be some misunderstanding, Miss Fairfax. The gentleman whose arm is at present round your waist is my guardian, Mr. John Worthing.
GWENDOLEN.
I beg your pardon?