Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/105

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THE PRIME MINISTER
81

Margaret.
Against me?

Sir Robert.
[Nodding.] He says you are not the person you represent yourself to be—Freda Michel, a Swiss girl from Zurich—but one Margaret Schiller, belonging to a family of enemy origin, living in Soho Square.

Margaret.
[Trembling, yet trying to laugh.] But doesn't—doesn't that strike you as a very ridiculous story, sir?

Sir Robert.
It does. I confess it does. But there are perplexing circumstances. Perhaps you can dissipate them.

Margaret.
My head is not very clear to-night, sir. The noise of the train——

Sir Robert.
[Having taken up the two telegrams.] You told me a while ago that you had never been in England before. That was true?

Margaret.
[Putting on bold front.] Quite true, sir.

Sir Robert.
Have you any friends in London?

Margaret.
No, sir.

Sir Robert.
You don't know this Margaret Schiller?