Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/190

viii  [With bright eyes, listening.] Hark! I hear the peace bells ringing!  They are the Christmas bells, Margaret. And this is Peggy's Christmas tree, and those [Listening to soft voices overhead] are the Christmas carol-singers who were to sing outside her door.

 [Raising herself.] Will you not give me—the Christmas kiss then? [He leans over her, and puts his lips to her forehead. [Sinking back, with a look of great happiness.] Ah! How joyful!  Yes, the world will soon be full of joy, Margaret.  [Assenting, rapturously.] Full of joy!  We have only to live and look upward — to the everlasting hope.  [Raising herself again, as if seeing a beautiful vision.] The everlasting hope!  The Kingdom of Peace must soon come.