The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Sitting at the writing-table.] Ha, ha! what a hideous mockery the whole world is! Life——!

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

Let us have none of your sickening optimism, sir! and in the presence of your aunt and sister.

Mrs. Cloys.

[Holding out her hand for the letter.] Show it to me again. [Justina brings the letter to Mrs. Cloys, who begins reading.] “Hand enclosed to my husband when he comes back for me to-night after dinner.”

Justina.

Ten or eleven o’clock. Where, on earth, will she be by ten or eleven o’clock?

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

[Going to the door.] I’ll tell her mother——!

Justina.