Bunbury? Oh, he was quiteexploded.Lady Bracknell. Exploded! Was he the victim of arevolutionary outrage? I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested insocial legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.Algernon. My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean hewas found out! The doctors found out that Bunbury could not live, that is whatI mean---so Bunbury died.Lady Bracknell. He seems to have had greatconfidence in the opinion of his physicians. I am glad, however, that he madeup his mind at the last to some definite course of action, and acted underproper medical advice. And now that we have finally got rid of this Mr.Bunbury, may I ask, Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my nephewAlgernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?Jack. That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew,my ward. [[Lady Bracknell bows coldly to Cecily.]]Algernon. I am engaged to be married toCecily, Aunt Augusta.Lady Bracknell. I beg your pardon?Cecily. Mr. Moncrieff and I are engagedto be married, Lady Bracknell.Lady Bracknell. [[With a shiver, crossing tothe sofa and sitting down.]] I do not know whether there isanything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part ofHertfordshire, but the number of p.500engagements that go on seems tome considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for ourguidance. I think some preliminary enquiry on my part would not be out ofplace. Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the largerrailway stations in London? I merely desire information. Until yesterday I hadno idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectlyfurious, but restrains himself.]Jack. [[In a clear, cold voice.]]Miss Cardew is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Thomas Cardew of 149 BelgraveSquare, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and The Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.Lady Bracknell. That sounds not unsatisfactory.Three addresses always inspire confidence, even in tradesmen. But what proofhave I of their authenticity?Jack. I have carefully preserved theCourt Guides of the period. They are open to your inspection, Lady Bracknell.Lady Bracknell. [[Grimly.]] Ihave known strange errors in that publication.Jack. Miss Cardew's family solicitorsare Messrs. Markby, Markby, and Markby.Lady Bracknell. Markby, Markby, and Markby? Afirm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told thatone of the Mr. Markbys is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties. So far Iam satisfied.Jack. [[Very irritably.]]How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! I have also in my possession, youwill be pleased to hear, certificates of Miss Cardew's birth, baptism, whoopingcough, registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both theGerman and the English variety.Lady Bracknell. Ah! A life crowded with incident,I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting for a young girl. I am not myselfin favour of premature experiences. [[Rises, looks at her watch.]]Gwendolen! the time approaches for our departure. We have not a moment to lose.As a matter of form, Mr. Worthing, I had better ask you if Miss Cardew has anylittle fortune?Jack. Oh! about a hundred and thirtythousand pounds in the Funds. That is all. Good-bye, Lady Bracknell. So pleasedto have seen you. p.501Lady Bracknell. [[Sitting