"Oh, I am sure of it," she said earnestly; "I believe Sunday schools have been an incalculable blessing to the world. It is such hopeful, blessed work to teach the little ones. We do not know how far any good we may do them may not reach. Oh, Mr. Hollys, I have been wishing so to ask you, if you would mind my gathering some of the children here on a Sunday afternoon, and teaching them for an hour. You saw how well they behaved on Friday. I will promise to keep my scholars in good order, if you will grant my request."
"Oh, do, papa. It would be so nice. Please say 'Yes,'" cried Beryl eagerly, before he could make any reply.
"Of course I can have no objection," he said, looking however, slightly perplexed; "it is very good of you to wish to teach these children; but have you thought what it will be? I should have fancied that these little people gave you enough to do."
"But, papa, we could help, we could teach the little ones," urged Beryl, with a seriousness which Percy found highly amusing.
"I should not mind the trouble, I am fond of teaching," said Miss Burton; "and if you will not think me over bold, Mr. Hollys, I will confess a plan that I have been turning over in my mind."
"Pray tell me; I am sure it is a wise one," he said, smiling at her.
"Well, it has struck me," said Miss Burton, "that the empty barn behind the house would make a capital schoolroom, if it were furnished with a few rough benches."
"Upon my word, you are thoroughly in earnest," said Mr. Hollys. "I see now what you mean. You want me to turn my barn into a meeting-house, in which you may hold your Sunday school."
"Yes, you may put it in that way," said Hettie laughing; "I fancied the barn could be well spared. Indeed, I do not know why the building is called the barn, for nothing seems ever to be stored there."
"I could spare it easily enough, certainly," replied Mr. Hollys; "but I fear you would find it a rough, uncomfortable place for your class."