The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

Claude.

[Looking after him.] Transparent old egotist! How do I know whether I’m in his Will or not? And yet I stand here and allow him to lecture me! Me! Ha, compare his education with mine! And what real knowledge has he of Life, of Men and Women——? [Showing Justina his telegram.] Is that the way you spell Bernhart?

Justina.

[Reading the telegram.] No; h-a-r-d-t. What’s this?

Claude.

[In an undertone.] The Wartons wanted to take me to see Bernhardt to-night. Of course, I can’t go now. A marked man! every eye upon me! her brother! [Going to the door, he meets Fraser.] ’Ullo, Fraser!

[Claude goes out; Fraser, who is carrying his hat and gloves, walks across the room, eyeing Justina.

Justina.

[To Fraser.] Do you want to speak to Theo?

Fraser.