The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Mrs. Emptage.

Wrong impression?

Theophila.

Oh, Mrs. Allingham’s petition has been dismissed—yes. But Sir John Clarkson and Mr. Martyn, my other counsel—all my friends in fact—were a little too sanguine.

Mrs. Emptage.

Too sanguine?

Theophila.

Oh, much too sanguine. The judge was rather rough on me.

Mrs. Emptage.

What on earth do you——?