Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/115

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THE PRIME MINISTER
91

dental circumstance to worm my way into this house. I did prey upon the weakness and affection of that Swiss girl to lend herself to this exchange. I did come to peek and pry and poke my nose into every corner of your public and private life, so that I might betray you to my country. I did intend to make you suffer in the person of your child, not only by poisoning her mind against you, but perhaps by stealing her away from you altogether—

Sir Robert.
[Rising, threateningly.] What?

Margaret.
[Flaming up, wildly.] As you stole my father from me when you put him in prison and left him to die there.

Sir Robert.
[Sitting.] I'm not going to argue with you, my girl—to discuss the differences between law and crime. The Commissioner will be here presently, and the only question is what I am to do with you.

Margaret.
[Fiercely.] Do what you like with me.

Sir Robert.
I have only to say, "This woman is of enemy origin. She has come into my house in a false name and character——"

Margaret.
Say it, then—say it!