Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/164

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
140
THE PRIME MINISTER

Sir Robert.
Let me go home with you to-night, old friend.

Lord Burnley.
[Bracing himself up.] No, no! Give me time. I shall be all right presently.

Sir Robert.
This will be a terrible blow to you, Burnley.

Lord Burnley.
[Stepping towards door.] It will—it is. I've seen it coming, though. I thought of it in this room on the night we were waiting for the Ultimatum. "Ours is an old family, four hundred years old," I thought, "and my son is the last of us. If he goes into this war my line may end— there may be no more Burnleys." But [Straightening himself to his full height] liberty must go on, civilization must go on, and—England!

Sir Robert.
[Deeply moved.] I'll—I'll see you to the door.

Lord Burnley.
No! I can let myself out. Good night!

[The old man goes out bravely. The door is closed. There is a moment's pause. Lady Dorothy comes dozen.

Lady Dorothy.
Oh, war! war! war!

Sir Robert.
But what treachery!