show a somewhat impatient nature---I would beg of you to reconsider your decision.Jack. But my dear Lady Bracknell, thematter is entirely in your own hands. The moment you consent to my marriagewith Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance withmy ward.Lady Bracknell. [[Rising and drawing herselfup.]] You must be quite aware that what you propose is out of thequestion.Jack. Then a passionate celibacy is allthat any of us can look forward to.Lady Bracknell. That is not the destiny I proposefor Gwendolen. Algernon, of course, can choose for himself. [[Pullsout her watch.]] Come, dear, [[Gwendolen rises]] we havealready missed five, if not six, trains. To miss any more might expose us tocomment on the platform.Enter Dr. Chasuble.Chasuble. Everything is quite ready for thechristenings.Lady Bracknell. The christenings, sir! Is notthat somewhat premature?Chasuble. [[Looking rather puzzled, andpointing to Jack and Algernon.]] Both these gentlemen haveexpressed a desire for immediate baptism.Lady Bracknell. At their age? The idea isgrotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will nothear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learnedthat that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.Chasuble. Am I to understand then thatthere are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?Jack. I don't think that, as things arenow, it would be of much practical value to either of us, Dr. Chasuble.Chasuble. I am grieved to hear suchsentiments from you, Mr. Worthing. They savour of the heretical views of theAnabaptists, views that I have completely refuted in four of my unpublishedsermons. However, as your present mood seems to be one peculiarly secular, Iwill return to the church at once. Indeed, I have just been informed by thepew-opener that for p.505the last hour and a half MissPrism has been waiting for me in the vestry. Lady Bracknell. [[Starting.]]Miss Prism! Did I hear you mention a Miss Prism?Chasuble. Yes, Lady Bracknell. I am on myway to join her.Lady Bracknell. Pray allow me to detain you for amoment. This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknelland myself. Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connectedwith education?Chasuble. [[Somewhat indignantly.]]She is the most cultivated of ladies, and the very picture of respectability.Lady Bracknell. It is obviously the same person.May I ask what position she holds in your household?Chasuble. [[Severely.]] Iam a celibate, madam.Jack. [[Interposing.]]Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years Miss Cardew'sesteemed governess and valued companion.Lady Bracknell. In spite of what I hear of her, Imust see her at once. Let her be sent for.Chasuble. [[Looking off.]]She approaches; she is nigh.Enter Miss Prism hurriedly.Miss Prism. I was told you expected me in thevestry, dear Canon. I have been waiting for you there for an hour and threequarters.[Catches sight of LadyBracknell who has fixed her with a stony glare. Miss Prism grows pale andquails. She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.]Lady Bracknell. [[In a severe, judicial voice.]]Prism! [[Miss Prism bows her head in shame.]] Come here,Prism! [[Miss Prism approaches in a humble manner.]] Prism!Where is that