made arrangements with Dr. Chasuble to be christened at a quarter to
six under the name of Ernest.

Jack. My dear fellow, the sooner you give up that nonsense the
better. I made arrangements this morning with Dr. Chasuble to be
christened myself at 5.30, and I naturally will take the name of
Ernest. Gwendolen would wish it. We can't both be christened
Ernest. It's absurd. Besides, I have a perfect right to be
christened if I like. There is no evidence at all that I have ever
been christened by anybody. I should think it extremely probable I
never was, and so does Dr. Chasuble. It is entirely different in
your case. You have been christened already.

Algernon. Yes, but I have not been christened for years.

Jack. Yes, but you have been christened. That is the important
thing.

Algernon. Quite so. So I know my constitution can stand it. If
you are not quite sure about your ever having been christened, I
must say I think it rather dangerous your venturing on it now. It
might make you very unwell. You can hardly have forgotten that some
one very closely connected with you was very nearly carried off this
week in Paris by a severe chill.

Jack. Yes, but you said yourself that a severe chill was not
hereditary.

Algernon. It usen't to be, I know--but I daresay it is now.
Science is always making wonderful improvements in things.