Lady Bracknell. It is obviously the same person. May I ask what
position she holds in your household?

Chasuble. [Severely.] I am a celibate, madam.

Jack. [Interposing.] Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the
last three years Miss Cardew's esteemed governess and valued
companion.

Lady Bracknell. In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at
once. Let her be sent for.

Chasuble. [Looking off.] She approaches; she is nigh.

[Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.]

Miss Prism. I was told you expected me in the vestry, dear Canon.
I have been waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters.
[Catches sight of Lady Bracknell, who has fixed her with a stony
glare. Miss Prism grows pale and quails. She looks anxiously round
as if desirous to escape.]

Lady Bracknell. [In a severe, judicial voice.] Prism! [Miss Prism
bows her head in shame.] Come here, Prism! [Miss Prism approaches
in a humble manner.] Prism! Where is that baby? [General
consternation. The Canon starts back in horror. Algernon and Jack
pretend to be anxious to shield Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing
the details of a terrible public scandal.] Twenty-eight years ago,
Prism, you left Lord Bracknell's house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor