< Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu
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THE PRIME MINISTER
Margaret.
No, no, I am no traitor. I was born here. My father was naturalized. I am an Englishwoman. This is my country.
Doctor.
[After a dead pause.] Your country is where the
graves of your kindred are. How many of yours
are here? Only one, and where is it? Under the
earth of a prison yard.
Margaret.
[With a gasp.] Oh! Oh!
Doctor.
[Following her up.] Besides, there is something
else—something you don't know even yet.
Margaret.
What?
Doctor.
Before we drew the lots we took an oath.
Margaret.
An oath?
Doctor.
That if the one to whom the lot fell should fail
to carry out his duty his life should be forfeit to the
rest.
Margaret.
[With horror.] Then it's the Minister's life, or
Otto's?
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