Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/190

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viii
THE PRIME MINISTER

Margaret.
[With bright eyes, listening.] Hark! I hear the peace bells ringing!

Sir Robert.
They are the Christmas bells, Margaret. And this is Peggy's Christmas tree, and those [Listening to soft voices overhead] are the Christmas carol-singers who were to sing outside her door.

Margaret.
[Raising herself.] Will you not give me—the Christmas kiss then?

[He leans over her, and puts his lips to her forehead.

[Sinking back, with a look of great happiness.] Ah! How joyful!

Sir Robert.
Yes, the world will soon be full of joy, Margaret.

Margaret.
[Assenting, rapturously.] Full of joy!

Sir Robert.
We have only to live and look upward — to the everlasting hope.

Margaret.
[Raising herself again, as if seeing a beautiful vision.] The everlasting hope!

Sir Robert.
The Kingdom of Peace must soon come.