The accounts I have received of Australia and the next world, are not particularly encouraging.
This world is good enough for me, cousin Cecily.
Cecily.
Yes, but are you good enough for it?
Algernon.
I'm afraid I'm not that.
That is why I want you to reform me.
You might make that your mission, if you don't mind, cousin Cecily. Cecily.
I'm afraid I've no time, this afternoon.
Algernon.
Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon?
Cecily.
It is rather Quixotic of you.
But I think you should try.
Algernon.
I will.
I feel better already.
Cecily.
You are looking a little worse.
Algernon.
That is because I am hungry.
Cecily.
How thoughtless of me.
I should have remembered that when one is going to lead an entirely new life, one requires regular and wholesome meals.
Won't you come in?
Algernon.
Thank you.
Might I have a buttonhole first?
I never have any appetite unless I have a buttonhole first.
Cecily.
A Marechal Niel? [Picks up scissors.]
Algernon.
No, I'd sooner have a pink rose.
Cecily.
Why? [Cuts a flower.]
Algernon.
Because you are like a pink rose, Cousin Cecily.
Cecily.
I don't think it can be right for you to talk to me like that.
Miss Prism never says such things to me.
Algernon.
Then Miss Prism is a short-sighted old lady.
[Cecily puts the rose in his buttonhole.]
You are the prettiest girl I ever saw.
Cecily.
Miss Prism says that all good looks are a snare.
Algernon.
They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught in.
Cecily.
Oh, I don't think I would care to catch a sensible man.