The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Olive.

[To Theophila.] I—I hope you are better, Mrs. Fraser.

Theophila.

Thank you, yes. [Turning her head.] Don’t go yet, aunt—nor you, Alec. [To Olive.] Mrs. Allingham, my husband comes to me to-day asking me to go back home with him, in order that, after all, we may commence together to fight the “shabby little circle” to which I have, I dare say, attached a great deal too much importance. Well, I’ve declined to go back—declined. But Mr. Fraser has an idea that I’m treating him spitefully because I’ve found a powerful friend in you.

Olive.

Mrs. Fraser, I—I do beg of you not to act hastily, and without good advice. Of course, you are angry, justifiably angry——

Theophila.

Ah——!

Olive.

But pray take time to reflect. Oh, I entreat you to try—in a little while, when you feel less bitter—to try to see your way clear to—to——