The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Mrs. Emptage.

[Her hands twitching.] Well, pet?

Theophila.

[Kissing her mother in a spiritless way.] Well, mother dear?

[Theophila goes to Justina and Claude and kisses them, silently.

Mrs. Emptage.

[Shaking hands with Fraser.] A hundred thousand congratulations, Alec.

Fraser.

[Biting his lip.] Thanks. [Standing at the further end of the piano, to Sir Fletcher.] Do you mind not playing?

Sir Fletcher Portwood.