GWENDOLEN. True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing. Mr. Worthing, what explanation can you offer to me for pretending to have a brother? Was it in order that you might have an opportunity of coming up to town to see me as often as possible? JACK. Can you doubt it, Miss Fairfax? GWENDOLEN. I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. But I intend to crush them. This is not the moment for German scepticism. [Moving to Cecily.] Their explanations appear to be quite satisfactory, especially Mr. Worthing’s. That seems to me to have the stamp of truth upon it. CECILY. I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone inspires one with absolute credulity. GWENDOLEN. Then you think we should forgive them? CECILY. Yes. I mean no. GWENDOLEN. True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that one cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The task is not a pleasant one. CECILY. Could we not both speak at the same time? GWENDOLEN. An excellent idea! I nearly always speak at the same time as other people. Will you take the time from me? CECILY. Certainly. [Gwendolen beats time with uplifted finger.] GWENDOLEN and CECILY [Speaking together.] Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all! JACK and ALGERNON [Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon. GWENDOLEN. [To Jack.] For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing? JACK. I am. CECILY. [To Algernon.] To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal? ALGERNON. I am! GWENDOLEN. How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us. JACK. We are. [Clasps hands with Algernon.] CECILY. They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely nothing. GWENDOLEN. [To Jack.] Darling! ALGERNON. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.] [Enter Merriman. When he enters he coughs loudly, seeing the situation.] MERRIMAN. Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell! JACK. Good heavens! [Enter Lady Bracknell. The couples separate in alarm. Exit Merriman.] LADY BRACKNELL. Gwendolen! What does this mean? GWENDOLEN. Merely that I am engaged to be married to Mr. Worthing, mamma.