Cecily.
I am so glad.
Algernon.
You'll never break off our engagement again, Cecily?
Cecily.
I don't think I could break it off now that I have actually met you.
Besides, of course, there is the question of your name.
Algernon. Yes, of course. [Nervously.]
Cecily.
You must not laugh at me, darling, but it had always been a girlish dream of mine to love some one whose name was Ernest.
[Algernon rises, Cecily also.]
There is something in that name that seems to inspire absolute confidence.
I pity any poor married woman whose husband is not called Ernest.
Algernon.
But, my dear child, do you mean to say you could not love me if I had some other name?
Cecily.
But what name?
Algernon.
Oh, any name you like - Algernon - for instance...
Cecily.
But I don't like the name of Algernon.
Algernon.
Well, my own dear, sweet, loving little darling, I really can't see why you should object to the name of Algernon.
It is not at all a bad name.
In fact, it is rather an aristocratic name.
Half of the chaps who get into the Bankruptcy Court are called Algernon.
But seriously, Cecily... [Moving to her]... if my name was Algy, couldn't you love me?
Cecily. [Rising.] I might respect you, Ernest, I might admire your character, but I fear that I should not be able to give you my undivided attention.
Algernon.
Ahem!
Cecily! [Picking up hat.] Your Rector here is, I suppose, thoroughly experienced in the practice of all the rites and ceremonials of the Church?
Cecily.
Oh, yes. Dr. Chasuble is a most learned man.
He has never written a single book, so you can imagine how much he knows.
Algernon.
I must see him at once on a most important christening - I mean on most important business.
Cecily.
Oh!
Algernon.
I shan't be away more than half an hour.
Cecily.
Considering that we have been engaged since February the 14th, and that I only met you to-day for the first time, I think it is rather hard that you should leave me for so long a period as half an hour.
Couldn't you make it twenty minutes?
Algernon.
I'll be back in no time.
[Kisses her and rushes down the garden.]
Cecily.
What an impetuous boy he is!
I like his hair so much.
I must enter his proposal in my diary.