Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/123

Rh  [Lifting her face, now shining with joyful tears.] Then it's true? You are going to let me stay, and spare the lives of my dear ones? Oh, how good you are! You are not brutal and inhuman as I thought. No wonder your little daughter loves you—just as I loved my own father. You shall never regret this—never ! As God is my witness I'll keep my word to you——  [Going to her.] Then raise your hand, and take your oath on it. [She raises her hand.] On your oath, from this hour onward, whatever may occur, you will cut yourself off from your family and friends, and never see or hear from them again.  [With upraised hand, solemnly.] On my oath, from this hour onward, whatever may occur, I will cut myself off from my family and friends, and never see or hear from them again.  That will do. Now go to bed. [He opens upper door, R. She staggers up to it.] Pray for strength to keep your promise. And if ever your time of temptation should come, remember that not with bread, but with blood I have bought your soul. ''[She stands for a moment as if struggling with a desire to kneel and kiss his hand. Then (as with the scorching memory of all that''