The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

[Abstractedly.] I am off; I am off. [Stopping at the door, looking at the table, and slowly tapping his forehead.] Pens—paper; two p.’s.

[He goes out. Fraser comes to the dining-room door, and carefully draws the portière; then he walks away as Mrs. Cloys enters by the upper door with Theophila leaning upon her arm. Theophila is dressed as in the preceding Acts, but without bonnet or cape. Mrs. Cloys places Theophila upon the settee, then goes out at the window, and disappears. Fraser takes a chair and sits.

Fraser.

You—you are very ill, Theophila?

Theophila.

[In a low, level, weary voice, her eyes turned from him.] No; I have just escaped being ill, they say.

Fraser.

I have been out all night, taking steps to find you; your aunt’s telegram did not reach me till late this morning. I hurried here directly.

Theophila.