There is no time to be lost.
Gwendolen.
Married, Mr. Worthing?
Jack. [Astounded.] Well... surely.
You know that I love you, and you led me to believe, Miss Fairfax, that you were not absolutely indifferent to me.
Gwendolen.
I adore you.
But you haven't proposed to me yet.
Nothing has been said at all about marriage.
The subject has not even been touched on.
Jack.
Well... may I propose to you now?
Gwendolen. I think it would be an admirable opportunity.
And to spare you any possible disappointment, Mr. Worthing, I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly before-hand that I am fully determined to accept you.
Jack.
Gwendolen!
Gwendolen.
Yes, Mr. Worthing, what have you got to say to me?
Jack.
You know what I have got to say to you.
Gwendolen.
Yes, but you don't say it.
Jack.
Gwendolen, will you marry me? [Goes on his knees.]
Gwendolen.
Of course I will, darling.
How long you have been about it!
I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose.
Jack.
My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you.
Gwendolen.
Yes, but men often propose for practice.
I know my brother Gerald does.
All my girl-friends tell me so.
What wonderfully blue eyes you have, Ernest!
They are quite, quite, blue.
I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present.
[Enter Lady Bracknell.]
Lady Bracknell.
Mr. Worthing!
Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture.
It is most indecorous.
Gwendolen.
Mamma!
[He tries to rise; she restrains him.]
I must beg you to retire.
This is no place for you.
Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.
Lady Bracknell.
Finished what, may I ask?