The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

I would willingly have seen house agents, Harriet. A furnished house——?

Mrs. Cloys.

[Assenting.] For the season—sufficiently large for the dear bishop, myself, and Theophila. Both in London and at St. Olpherts, Theophila will be my close companion. In our little London gaieties she will figure prominently. At certain formal gatherings she will share the responsibilities of the hostess. If any paragraph concerning our doings should creep into the newspaper, it will concern the Bishop of St. Olpherts, Mrs. Cloys, and Mrs. Fraser of Locheen. Oh, I don’t think there will be many to wag evil tongues against Mrs. Fraser a few months hence!

[Olive rises, and advances to Mrs. Cloys, who stands as she approaches.

Olive.

[In a low voice, to Mrs. Cloys.] I’m glad; I’m very glad.

Mrs. Cloys.

That’s right.

Olive.

[Falteringly.] But your—your scheme owes—just a little to my idea, doesn’t it?