Darling!
And when was the engagement actually settled?
Cecily.
On the 14th of February last.
Worn out by your entire ignorance of my existence, I determined to end the matter one way or the other, and after a long struggle with myself I accepted you under this dear old tree here.
The next day I bought this little ring in your name, and this is the little bangle with the true lover's knot I promised you always to wear.
Algernon.
Did I give you this?
It's very pretty, isn't it?
Cecily.
Yes, you've wonderfully good taste, Ernest.
It's the excuse I've always given for your leading such a bad life.
And this is the box in which I keep all your dear letters. [Kneels at table, opens box, and produces letters tied up with blue ribbon.]
Algernon.
My letters!
But, my own sweet Cecily, I have never written you any letters.
Cecily.
You need hardly remind me of that, Ernest.
I remember only too well that I was forced to write your letters for you.
I wrote always three times a week, and sometimes oftener.
Algernon.
Oh, do let me read them, Cecily?
Cecily.
Oh, I couldn't possibly.
They would make you far too conceited. [Replaces box.] The three you wrote me after I had broken of the engagement are so beautiful, and so badly spelled, that even now I can hardly read them without crying a little.
Algernon.
But was our engagement ever broken off?
Cecily.
Of course it was.
On the 22nd of last March.
You can see the entry if you like. [Shows diary.]
'To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest.
I feel it is better to do so.
The weather still continues charming.'
Algernon.
But why on earth did you break it off?
What had I done?
I had done nothing at all.
Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to hear you broke it off.
Particularly when the weather was so charming.
Cecily.
It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it hadn't been broken off at least once.
But I forgave you before the week was out.
Algernon. [Crossing to her, and kneeling.] What a perfect angel you are, Cecily.
Cecily.
You dear romantic boy.
[He kisses her, she puts her fingers through his hair.]
I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?
Algernon.
Yes, darling, with a little help from others.