Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/86

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
62
THE PRIME MINISTER

Sir Robert.
We have five millions of men on the battlefields to think about. It is our duty to see that their lives are not further imperilled by secret communication with the enemy.

Sir Malcolm.
It is indeed, sir.

Enter Galloway by lower door, R.

Galloway.
Miss Michel has arrived, sir.

Sir Robert.
Ah!—Take her up to her ladyship—Or wait! Bring her in here for a moment. I wish to speak to her.

Galloway.
Yes, sir. [Galloway beckons to somebody outside.

Sir Robert.
A young Swiss girl who has come to be governess to my little daughter.

[Margaret Schiller enters. She is pale and nervous. Her eyes are fixed on Sir Robert Temple, so that she does not look at the Chief Commissioner, whose back is towards the door. Sir Robert receives her cordially. His voice softens. He offers his hand. She takes it a little nervously.

I must apologize for not sending to the station to meet you, Miss Michel. I received your telegram and intended to send it up to my sister-in-law, but in the pressure of business the matter passed out of my mind. Just come from Charing Cross ?