The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts. Arthur Wing Pinero
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can sit by and assist at the telling of a story of this nature, single woman that you are! [Justina walks away.] What did I prophesy? Years ago, what did I prophesy? [To Mrs. Emptage.] Now, pray, how do you like seeing your children dabbling their hands in this—this pig-pail?
[Claude enters.
Claude.
Fraser and Theo——
Mrs. Emptage.
[Rising.] Ah!
Claude.
Just come in.
[Mrs. Cloys walks away; Claude joins Justina.]
Mrs. Emptage.
[Repressing her excitement.] Sssh, sssh, sssh! Let nobody make a fuss; Alec hates a fuss!
Sir Fletcher Portwood.
No fuss, but some one ought to play “See the Conquering Hero——!” Theo is so fond of a little fun—genuine fun!
[He seats himself at the piano and fingers out the air laboriously. Theophila and her husband enter. She is an elegantly-dressed, still girlish, woman of seven-and-twenty; he a good-looking, undemonstrative man of about five-and-thirty. Both are pale, weary-looking, and subdued. Fraser is gloved and frock-coated; Theophila is in her bonnet and cape.
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.
[Rising and singing.] “See the Conquering He—ro co—o—o—o—o—o—um—ms—!” Not hero—heroes. No, hero and heroine!
[Theophila comes to him and kisses him in the same impassive fashion.
Theophila.
[Quietly.] Much obliged to you for sticking to me, the last two days, uncle.
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