[Algernon is rather taken aback.]
But I am your cousin Cecily.
You, I see from your card, are Uncle Jack's brother, my cousin Ernest, my wicked cousin Ernest.
Algernon.
Oh! I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily.
You mustn't think that I am wicked.
Cecily.
If you are not, then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very inexcusable manner.
I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time.
That would be hypocrisy.
Algernon. [Looks at her in amazement.] Oh!
Of course I have been rather reckless.
Cecily.
I am glad to hear it.
Algernon.
In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way.
Cecily.
I don't think you should be so proud of that, though I am sure it must have been very pleasant.
Algernon.
It is much pleasanter being here with you.
Cecily.
I can't understand how you are here at all.
Uncle Jack won't be back till Monday afternoon.
Algernon.
That is a great disappointment.
I am obliged to go up by the first train on Monday morning.
I have a business appointment that I am anxious... to miss?
Cecily.
Couldn't you miss it anywhere but in London?
Algernon.
No: the appointment is in London.
Cecily.
Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a business engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the beauty of life, but still I think you had better wait till Uncle Jack arrives.
I know he wants to speak to you about your emigrating.
Algernon.
About my what?
Cecily.
Your emigrating.
He has gone up to buy your outfit.
Algernon.
I certainly wouldn't let Jack buy my outfit.
He has no taste in neckties at all.
Cecily.
I don't think you will require neckties. Uncle Jack is sending you to Australia.
Algernon. Australia!
I'd sooner die.
Cecily.
Well, he said at dinner on Wednesday night, that you would have to choose between this world, the next world, and Australia.
Algernon.
Oh, well!