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. 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 off 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 re