Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/73

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THE PRIME MINISTER
49

Freda.
But why do you ask, Margaret? I'm not afraid to go into a strange family. When a girl has to earn her living she can't afford to be afraid. Besides, Lady Dorothy must be a dear, and if you had heard what my lady used to say about her husband you would think he was a saint, an angel.

Margaret.
[Impulsively, excitedly.] Freda, would you do me—Otto, all of us—a great kindness?

Freda.
My dear, you know I would.

Margaret.
Then—then—let me go to Sir Robert Temple's house instead of you.

Freda.
You mean in my place?

Margaret.
Yes, as if I were Freda Michel, who had come from Zurich to be governess to his little girl.

Freda.
[Rising.] Margaret!

Margaret.
It's not the salary—you shall have that. I have something to do that can only be done in that house.

Mrs. Schiller.
Margaret, whatever are you thinking of?

D