Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/162

138  [Rising, his face full of emotion, speaking with difficulty.] I thought you would like to have the news at once, Robert, so I decided to bring it myself. Otherwise, I might have preferred to go straight home to-night.  [Drawing up, and looking closely at the old man.] Burnley—what is the matter?  [With an effort.] Stanley reports— that our Fifth Army fought like lions and—died like heroes.

 They would! Why shouldn't they— since they were Englishmen?  And that my own son——  [Almost breathlessly.] The Colonel?  My only son——  Has he——  [After a pause, bending his head.] Yes.