y. It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for
a very brief space of time. The absence of old friends one can endure
with equanimity. But even a momentary separation from anyone to whom one
has just been introduced is almost unbearable.

Algernon. Thank you.

[Enter Merriman.]

Merriman. The dog-cart is at the door, sir. [Algernon looks appealingly
at Cecily.]

Cecily. It can wait, Merriman for . . . five minutes.

Merriman. Yes, Miss. [Exit Merriman.]

Algernon. I hope, Cecily, I shall not offend you if I state quite
frankly and openly that you seem to me to be in every way the visible
personification of absolute perfection.

Cecily. I think your frankness does you great credit, Ernest. If you
will allow me, I will copy your remarks into my diary. [Goes over to
table and begins writing in diary.]

Algernon. Do you really keep a diary? I'd give anything to look at it.
May I?

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