Why is page one of the story the importance of being earnest important?
Scene: Morning-room in ALGERNON'S flat in Half Moon Street
The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The
sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room. LANE is
arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has
ceased, ALGERNON enters.
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 a 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.