Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/178

154 of the police could be substantiated or dispelled. But you were overcoming my distrust. I was allowing myself to believe in you. There were moments when you. . . you reminded me ... of my wife. "This is another of the women," I thought, "who would give their lives for the lives they love." But you are all alike. It is the mad, bad blood in such as you that is deluging the world in crime. God forgive you! I cannot! [''The girl is still sobbing. There is a short pause. goes up and returns.''] Well, you know what I might do. I might hand you over to the police. I don't propose to do that. I propose to—let you off. [The girl utters a cry of joy.] Ah, don't suppose I'm thinking of you. I'm thinking of myself now. I have no wish that all the world should know that I've harboured a woman like you in my house. You must leave it to-night.  [Catching her breath.] Let me stay until morning, sir.  To-night! Margaret. [Pleadingly.] But if you knew—if I could only tell you why I wish——  To-night—now!

 Let me stay until to-morrow morning, sir, and I promise you—on my sacred word of honour I promise you——