Cecily. [Coming over very slowly.] But I don't like German. It
isn't at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look
quite plain after my German lesson.

Miss Prism. Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you
should improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on
your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed, he
always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for town.

Cecily. Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious! Sometimes he is so
serious that I think he cannot be quite well.

Miss Prism. [Drawing herself up.] Your guardian enjoys the best of
health, and his gravity of demeanour is especially to be commended
in one so comparatively young as he is. I know no one who has a
higher sense of duty and responsibility.

Cecily. I suppose that is why he often looks a little bored when we
three are together.

Miss Prism. Cecily! I am surprised at you. Mr. Worthing has many
troubles in his life. Idle merriment and triviality would be out of
place in his conversation. You must remember his constant anxiety
about that unfortunate young man his brother.

Cecily. I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man,
his brother, to come down here sometimes. We might have a good
influence over him, Miss Prism. I am sure you certainly would. You
know German, and geology, and things of that kind influence a man
very much. [Cecily begins to write in her diary.]