else.] My own love! [Offers to kiss her.]

Cecily. [Drawing back.] A moment, Ernest! May I ask you--are you
engaged to be married to this young lady?

Algernon. [Looking round.] To what young lady? Good heavens!
Gwendolen!

Cecily. Yes! to good heavens, Gwendolen, I mean to Gwendolen.

Algernon. [Laughing.] Of course not! What could have put such an
idea into your pretty little head?

Cecily. Thank you. [Presenting her cheek to be kissed.] You may.
[Algernon kisses her.]

Gwendolen. I felt there was some slight error, Miss Cardew. The
gentleman who is now embracing you is my cousin, Mr. Algernon
Moncrieff.

Cecily. [Breaking away from Algernon.] Algernon Moncrieff! Oh!
[The two girls move towards each other and put their arms round each
other's waists protection.]

Cecily. Are you called Algernon?

Algernon. I cannot deny it.

Cecily. Oh!