The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

John.

Get out, Peter!

Elphick.

[Going up the steps and pausing at the door.] Jack.

John.

What is it?

Elphick.

[With an empty expression of face and voice.] Don’t do anything weak.

John.

Get out! [Elphick disappears. John hurriedly glances round the room and arranges a displaced chair. Then he discovers that Elphick has left the banjo upon the settee, and he seizes it impatiently.] Oh—— [Going to the door of the library and drawing aside the portière.] Here! Peter! catch! [He throws the banjo into the room, and readjusts the portière. The instrument is heard to fall with a crash to the floor. He looks into the library, hastily.] I beg your pardon, old fellow. [He descends the steps and goes to the window and opens it, speaking in a low voice.] Is any one there? [A pause.] Someone’s there.