Cecily. Oh, but it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is my guardian.
It is his brother--his elder brother.

Gwendolen. [Sitting down again.] Ernest never mentioned to me that
he had a brother.

Cecily. I am sorry to say they have not been on good terms for a
long time.

Gwendolen. Ah! that accounts for it. And now that I think of it I
have never heard any man mention his brother. The subject seems
distasteful to most men. Cecily, you have lifted a load from my
mind. I was growing almost anxious. It would have been terrible if
any cloud had come across a friendship like ours, would it not? Of
course you are quite, quite sure that it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing
who is your guardian?

Cecily. Quite sure. [A pause.] In fact, I am going to be his.

Gwendolen. [Inquiringly.] I beg your pardon?

Cecily. [Rather shy and confidingly.] Dearest Gwendolen, there is
no reason why I should make a secret of it to you. Our little
county newspaper is sure to chronicle the fact next week. Mr.
Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married.

Gwendolen. [Quite politely, rising.] My darling Cecily, I think
there must be some slight error. Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to
me. The announcement will appear in the Morning Post on Saturday at
the latest.