Theophila.
Much good did my innocence do me yesterday when they gave me “the benefit of the doubt,” and sent me out of the Court ruined!
Olive.
It does you this much good—that now I am satisfied as to your innocence I am prepared to serve you humbly and faithfully. Oh, Mrs. Fraser, I would be a true friend to you this time! [Rising and standing before Theophila.] Come, forgive me!
Theophila.
[In a low voice.] Well, for the months of awful trouble you gave me, and for those two days in the Divorce Court—yes, you’re welcome to my forgiveness for all that. [Her voice hardening, her hands clenched.] But not for last night!
Olive.
You mustn’t make me wholly responsible for what took place last night.
Theophila.
I do hold you responsible. Why—they’ve told me the story—I know that, when my note to your husband was handed to him, he wanted to send a message to me excusing himself from meeting me. Did you let the message go? There was I waiting out in the lane, my people in this room, all in a fidget to hurry to me and take me away. Did you let them come to me? No, you huddled them out of the way, and then drew your husband into your plot, and trapped me in here. I was the poor rat, half dead, who had been well worried, but who’d a little life still left; so you had me in, panting, and got another few minutes’ sport out of me——