"Oh, I see," said Percy; "you would much rather I kept upstairs out of the way of everything."
"No, I would not, Percy," exclaimed Beryl, with sudden decision. "I should like you to be there."
"You don't mean that?" he returned.
"Yes I do. I always mean what I say," replied Beryl with dignity.
"Then why didn't you speak sooner?" said Percy.
"Because I was thinking," said plain-spoken Beryl; "I was not sure at first whether I should like your being there. But now I think that it will be very nice."
"What a queer creature you are, Beryl!" exclaimed Percy laughing.
"Oh, well, if you are going to call me names, I'll go to bed at once," said Beryl. "Good-night."
But though she pretended to be offended, she went away feeling perfectly good-tempered. She had now not the least remnant of enmity towards Percy in her heart.
Restless and impatient though Beryl felt, her young, healthful fatigue prevailed over excitement, and she slept soundly that night.