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

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

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

 This will be a terrible blow to you, 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!

 [Deeply moved.] I'll—I'll see you to the door.  No! I can let myself out. Good night! [''The old man goes out bravely. The door is closed. There is a moment's pause. comes dozen.''  Oh, war! war! war!  But what treachery!