A People's Man by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
page 28 of 356 (07%)
page 28 of 356 (07%)
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"It is the inevitable," Maraton declared.
Mr. Foley struck the table with his fist. "I deny it!" he cried. "These troubles can and shall be stopped. Legislation shall do it--amicable, if possible; brutal, if not. But the man who is content to see his country ruined, see it presented, a helpless prey, to our enemies for the mere trouble of landing upon our shores,--that man is a traitor and deserves to be treated as such. Tell me, on behalf of the people, Mr. Maraton, what is it that you want? Name your terms?" Maraton shook his head doubtfully. "You are a brave man, Mr. Foley," he said, "but remember that you do not stand alone. There are your fellow Ministers." "They are my men," Mr. Foley insisted. "Besides, there is the thunder in the air. We cannot disregard it. We are not ostriches. Better to meet the trouble bravely than to be crushed by it." There was a tap at the door, and Lady Elisabeth appeared upon the threshold. Maraton was conscious of realising for the first time that this was the most beautiful woman whom he had ever seen in his life. She avoided looking at him as she addressed her uncle. "Uncle," she said deprecatingly, "I am so sorry, but every one is asking for you. You have been in here for nearly twenty minutes. There is a rumour that you are ill." |
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