The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

It, it, it. And it was wearing a bonnet almost precisely like mine; and it looked to be about my own age, and could have had my sort of complexion if it had chosen——

Mrs. Cloys.

Hush, Theophila——!

Theophila.

[Hysterically.] Ho, ho, ho! these last two days!

[Horton enters with tea.

Mrs. Emptage.

Here’s tea! Claude, help Justina with the tea-table. Tea is what Theo needs.

[She hurries out with Theophila’s bonnet and cape. Claude and Justina carry the tea-table and place it before the “cosy-corner.” Mrs. Cloys sits with her head bent. Horton places the tray upon the tea-table and withdraws. Justina sits in the “cosy-corner” and pours out tea.

Sir Fletcher Portwood.