Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/40

16  It seems so, certainly.  Then write immediately; tell the girl to come to London at once.  Very well, if you are satisfied.  I am, perfectly. [ ''goes out.  continues to look at the letter, reading parts of it.''] "I am sure you will like Freda. She is a sweet, simple, frank, sincere creature. Decidedly pretty, too, with her sea-blue eyes and golden hair." [" Big Ben " is heard chiming the quarter—six beats. folds up the letters, puts them to his lips, returns them to the drawer; switches off the light, and is turning up stage when— Voices are heard from supper-room, and the four men come out, looking very grave.] So soon? Surely you've not finished already?  Robert, there is something we have only just thought of—something serious.

 What is it?  The reply to our Ultimatum had to reach us before midnight, isn't that so?  Undoubtedly.