The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Do with it? Why, at eighteen I was earning twenty shillings a week, and maintaining myself. Now look at the position I have achieved, from sheer brain-force! [To Theophila.] I shall not turn my back on you, my poor little girl; don’t be frightened of that. You were always my favourite niece——

Justina.

[Laughing, a little wildly.] Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

I beg your pardon, ’Tina; I’ve no favourites. Can I buy you anything, either of you, while I’m out? I may look in here again before I go down to the House. The finest assembly of gentlemen in the world. No patterns, or new music, wanted—eh?

Theophila.

[Feebly.] Oh, no.

Sir Fletcher Portwood.

I shall dine at the House, and then sup at the club. All London shall see me. “Look at Portwood!” everybody will say. “Then there can’t be the slightest foundation for this scandal about his niece——!”

[He goes out.