d now. [The noise is redoubled.]

Lady Bracknell. I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.

Gwendolen. This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last. [Enter Jack
with a hand-bag of black leather in his hand.]

Jack. [Rushing over to Miss Prism.] Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism?
Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than one
life depends on your answer.

Miss Prism. [Calmly.] It seems to be mine. Yes, here is the injury it
received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and
happier days. Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of
a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington. And
here, on the lock, are my initials. I had forgotten that in an
extravagant mood I had had them placed there. The bag is undoubtedly
mine. I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me. It has
been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.

Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than
this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it.

Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You?

Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes . . . mother!

Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am
unmarried!

Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all,
who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot
repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for
men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace
her again.]

Miss Prism. [Still more indignant.] Mr. Worthing, there is some error.
[Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] There is the lady who can tell you who you
really are.

Jack. [After a pause.] Lady Bracknell, I hate to seem inquisitive, but
would you kindly inform me who I am?

Lady Bracknell. I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not
altogether please you. You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs.
Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon's elder brother.

Jack. Algy's elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I
had a brother! I always said I had a brother! Cecily,--how could you
have ever doubted that I had a brother? [Seizes hold of Algernon.] Dr.
Chasuble, my unfortunate brother. Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother.
Gwendolen, my unfortunate brother. Algy, you young scoundrel, you will
have to treat me with more respect in the future. You have never behaved
to me like a brother in