Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/138

114  Yes, that too—for now I know that he is not the heartless monster I supposed him to be, but a tender father, an affectionate friend, a noble and generous——  [With a crack of bitter laughter.] As I thought! I warned you that a man like that might take advantage of a young girl, a beautiful girl—But is it possible that exactly the reverse has happened—that you have fallen into your own trap—become his worshipper, his slave, his plaything?  [Leaping up and lifting hands as if to strike him.] Fritz! [Recovering herself.] But no matter! I will not do it. [ goes up, laughing bitterly. comes down again, his voice quivering, his hands trembling.

 No, no, don't say that, Margaret. Fritz is to blame—much to blame. He is mad with jealousy, and doesn't know what he is saying. But come, let us sit down and talk reasonably. [He draws back to her seat and sits beside her.] Listen again, my child. I speak to you as a father. In his personal character this man Temple may be all you say. But in his public character he is a merciless tyrant. So, as an act of righteous retribution, to save our people from further suffering, and put an end to this miserable war——