It is to be surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the envelopes, tears them up.]
Algernon.
A glass of sherry, Lane.
Lane.
Yes, sir.
Algernon.
To-morrow, Lane, I'm going Bunburying.
Lane.
Yes, sir.
Algernon.
I shall probably not be back till Monday.
You can put up my dress clothes, my smoking jacket, and all the Bunbury suits . . .
Lane.
Yes, sir. [Handing sherry.]
Algernon.
I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane.
Lane.
It never is, sir.
Algernon.
Lane, you're a perfect pessimist.
Lane.
I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.
[Enter Jack.
Lane goes off.]
Jack.
There's a sensible, intellectual girl! the only girl I ever cared for in my life.
[Algernon is laughing immoderately.]
What on earth are you so amused at?
Algernon.
Oh, I'm a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all.
Jack.
If you don't take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a serious scrape some day.
Algernon.
I love scrapes.
They are the only things that are never serious.
Jack.
Oh, that's nonsense, Algy.
You never talk anything but nonsense.
Algernon.
Nobody ever does.
[Jack looks indignantly at him, and leaves the room.
Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles.]
Act Drop
Second Act
Scene Garden at the Manor House.
A flight of grey stone steps leads up to the house.
The garden, an old-fashioned one, full of roses.
Time of year, July.
Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew-tree.
[Miss Prism discovered seated at the table.