Summary

Lane prepares Algernon's morning-room for guests as Algernon plays piano offstage. Algernon shortly enters and exchanges a rapid volley of witticisms about his poor playing with the servant. He then remarks that the servants have clearly been drinking his wine. Jack enters unexpectedly, and Lane announces him as Ernest Worthing. Algernon, unhappy to see the other man, asks about his disappearance and subsequent absence since the prior Thursday, Jack remarks dismissively that he's been in the countryside. He claims to live in Shropshire where he despises his neighbors. He notices the food that has been set out. It is for his Aunt Augusta, or Lady Bracknell, and his cousin Gwendolen. Augusta dislikes Jack because he's in love with Gwendolen. Algernon tells Jack not to eat the cucumber sandwiches and expresses a strong belief that Jack's planned proposal to Gwendolen will fail...