Summary

Algernon immediately pays compliments to Gwendolen when she enters the room. Lady Bracknell, or Aunt Augusta, apologizes for her lateness, explaining that she visited a Lady Harbury, who looks wonderful after her husband's death. Jack and Gwendolen sit next to each other, and Gwendolen opts not to move when Lady Bracknell directs her to sit beside her. Algernon suddenly realizes, mortified, that there are no cucumbers in the sandwiches he had made for Bracknell. Lane says there are none in the market available. Bracknell is fine with the development, explaining that she ate with Lady Harbury. Bracknell then tells Algernon that he is to spend time with a Mary Farquhar and them that evening, but Algernon says he can't because his friend Bunbury is once again very sick. Bracknell disapproves and expresses dislike for invalids. She asks Algernon to tell Bunbury...