The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Oh, Horton, what became of the bonnet and cape I came in with?

Horton.

[Looking off.] Mrs. Emptage lay them down in the next room. Here they are, ma’am.

Theophila.

Just give them to me. [Horton goes off and immediately returns with the bonnet, cape, and gloves.] Thanks.

[Horton arranges the cape over the back of a chair, places the bonnet and gloves on the table, and withdraws. Having finished her letter and addressed an envelope, she rises and searches for her wedding-ring; finding this she slips it into the letter, and fastens the envelope. Then, keeping the letter in her hand, she puts on her bonnet and cape, standing before the mirror. Sir Fletcher enters, looking disturbed and dejected; Claude follows, downcast, silent, and morose, and walks about aimlessly, staring at the carpet.

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

[Discovering Theophila.] Oh, going out, my dear?

Theophila.

I want a little walk—alone.