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?
JACK.
[Pleasantly.] Never. Not even of any kind.
GWENDOLEN.
I am afraid it is quite clear, Cecily, that neither of us is engaged to be married to any one.
CECILY.
It is not a very pleasant position for a young girl suddenly to find herself in. Is it?