The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

At Mrs. Fraser——

Olive.

[Walking up the stage, beating her hands together.] Mrs. Fraser! the eternal Mrs. Fraser! Oh!... oh!... [Throwing herself into the chair facing the window.] I shall be quite calm in a moment. [Faintly.] Those men upset me.

John.

[Going to her, solicitously.] To-day has been as exhausting for you as for the rest of us. Of course, there’s a dinner prepared here——

Olive.

[Quickly, half-frightened.] Oh, no, dear; I couldn’t sit down to table with you; I’m not entitled to do that. Fetch me a glass of wine and a biscuit—[appealingly]—don’t let a servant bring it, John. [He goes to the dining-room door, she rises, and calls him.] John!—[her head drooping]—do you think we shall ever sit at the same table again, you and I?

John.

[After a pause, sitting, looking away from her.] Oh, Olive, Olive! remember——!

Olive.