ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every single
muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more heartless is, that
he was perfectly well aware from the first that I have no brother,
that I never had a brother, and that I don't intend to have a
brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told him so myself
yesterday afternoon.

Lady Bracknell. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I
have decided entirely to overlook my nephew's conduct to you.

Jack. That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell. My own
decision, however, is unalterable. I decline to give my consent.

Lady Bracknell. [To Cecily.] Come here, sweet child. [Cecily goes
over.] How old are you, dear?

Cecily. Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to
twenty when I go to evening parties.

Lady Bracknell. You are perfectly right in making some slight
alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about
her age. It looks so calculating . . . [In a meditative manner.]
Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. Well, it will
not be very long before you are of age and free from the restraints
of tutelage. So I don't think your guardian's consent is, after
all, a matter of any importance.

Jack. Pray excuse me, Lady Bracknell, for interrupting you again,
but it is only fair to tell you that according to the terms of her
grandfather's will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she