Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: Algernon: Did you hear what I was playing, Lane? Lane: I didn't think it polite to listen, sir. Algernon: I'm sorry for that, for your sake. I don't play accurately-any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. I keep science for Life. Lane: Yes, sir. Algernon: And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell? Lane: Yes, sir [Hands them on a salver.] Algernon: [Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on the sofa.] Oh! By the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed. Lane: Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint. Algernon: Why is it that at a bachelor's establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne? I ask merely for information. Lane: I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir. I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand. Algernon: Good heavens! Is marriage so demoralizing as that? Lane: I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. I have only been married once. That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person. Algernon: [Languidly.] I don't know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane. Lane: No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself. Algernon: Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you. Lane: Thank you, sir. [Lane goes out.] Algernon: Lane's views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility. [Enter Lane.] Lane: Mr. Ernest Worthing. [Enter Jack.] [Lane goes out.] Algernon: How are you, my dear Ernest? What brings you up to town? Jack: Oh, pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring one anywhere? Eating as usual, I see, Algy! Algernon: [Stiffly.] I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o'clock. Where have you been since last Thursday? Jack: [Sitting down on the sofa.] In the country. Algernon: What on earth do you do there? Jack: [Pulling off his gloves.] When one is in town one amuses one's self. When one is in the country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring. Algernon: And who are the people you amuse? Jack: [Airily.] Oh, neighbours, neighbours. Algernon: Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire? Jack: Perfectly horrid! Never speak to one of them. Algernon: How immensely you must amuse them! [Goes over and takes sandwich.] By the way, Shropshire is your county, is it not? Jack: Eh? Shropshire? Yes, of course. Hallo! Why all these cups? Why cucumber sandwiches? Why such reckless extravagance in one so young? Who is coming to tea? Algernon: Oh! merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen. Jack: How perfectly delightful! Algernon: Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won't quite approve of your being here. Jack: May I ask why? Algernon: My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you. Jack: I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly to propose to her. Algernon: I thought you had come up for pleasure? ... I call that business. Jack: How utterly unromantic you are! How does Wilde make this such a humorously effective opening to the play?