Cecily.
Oh no. [Puts her hand over it.] You see, it is simply a very young girl's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication.
When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.
But pray, Ernest, don't stop.
I delight in taking down from dictation.
I have reached 'absolute perfection'.
You can go on.
I am quite ready for more.
Algernon. [Somewhat taken aback.] Ahem!
Ahem!
Cecily.
Oh, don't cough, Ernest.
When one is dictating one should speak fluently and not cough.
Besides, I don't know how to spell a cough. [Writes as Algernon speaks.]
Algernon. [Speaking very rapidly.] Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly.
Cecily.
I don't think that you should tell me that you love me wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly.
Hopelessly doesn't seem to make much sense, does it?
Algernon.
Cecily!
[Enter Merriman.]
Merriman.
The dog-cart is waiting, sir.
Algernon.
Tell it to come round next week, at the same hour.
Merriman. [Looks at Cecily, who makes no sign.] Yes, sir.
[Merriman retires.]
Cecily.
Uncle Jack would be very much annoyed if he knew you were staying on till next week, at the same hour.
Algernon.
Oh, I don't care about Jack.
I don't care for anybody in the whole world but you.
I love you, Cecily.
You will marry me, won't you?
Cecily.
You silly boy!
Of course.
Why, we have been engaged for the last three months.
Algernon.
For the last three months?
Cecily.
Yes, it will be exactly three months on Thursday.
Algernon.
But how did we become engaged?
Cecily.
Well, ever since dear Uncle Jack first confessed to us that he had a younger brother who was very wicked and bad, you of course have formed the chief topic of conversation between myself and Miss Prism.
And of course a man who is much talked about is always very attractive.
One feels there must be something in him, after all.
I daresay it was foolish of me, but I fell in love with you, Ernest.
Algernon.