ally 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.

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 minut