The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Steadily, in a low hard voice.] Why, nothing can arise, during this interview, injurious, in the mind of any fair person, to Mrs. Fraser’s reputation?

John.

[Starting to his feet.] Nothing! nothing!

Olive.

Then I am clearly serving Mrs. Fraser’s interests by what I am doing.

[She disappear into the library. After a brief pause, John hastily goes to the dining-room door, and opens it slightly.

John.

Mrs. Cloys! Mrs. Cloys!

Mrs. Cloys.

[From the dining-room.] Yes.