The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts. Arthur Wing Pinero

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.