"Mr. Gilbank," she said humbly, "I don't think it is so easy to be a 'child of the kingdom' in London as it is at Egloshayle."
"Why not?" he asked in surprise.
"Because there is so much else to think about," she said; "shopping, and dressing, and seeing sights. And then people are so horrid, one cannot help getting cross sometimes."
"A child of the kingdom has no excuse for getting cross, however 'horrid' people may be," said her friend; "and shopping, dressing, and sight-seeing are poor things to keep one from communing with the King. God, your Father, is as near to you in London as at Egloshayle; and if you have greater temptations, He will help you to overcome them if you ask Him. Remember, child, that being good comes before doing good. The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy; and unless that kingdom is within you, you cannot serve the King."
"But, Mr. Gilbank," said Beryl, "how can you feel peace and joy, when your life seems to be going all wrong, and you are afraid everything will be spoiled for you?"
"What, child, have you come to that thus early?" said Mr. Gilbank, looking at her with a tender smile. "Well, I know of but one way of keeping calm amidst threatening troubles,—it is by trusting the love of God. Your Father in heaven loves you; He will not let anything really harm you, and nothing can happen to you but with His knowledge and by His will."
And Beryl resolved that she would try thus to trust God. And though, when her father presently called for them, she left the artist's studio feeling sad and humbled, she was in a happier and better frame of mind than that in which she had started for the visit.
[CHAPTER XXV]
HOME AGAIN
DAVID GILBANK lost no time in sending Mr. Hollys the address he wanted; but Mr. Hollys suffered some days to pass ere he went in search of Robert Harvey. When he did call at the private hotel at which that gentleman had been staying, he learned that Mr. Robert Harvey had sailed for Canada on the previous day. He had stated that business called him suddenly away, but that his visit would be brief, and he hoped to return to London by the end of the summer. But Mr. Hollys, having made up his mind that this could not be Coral's uncle, concerned himself very little about Mr. Harvey's doings. He told the children the result of his enquiries, and then dismissed the matter from his mind—an example they speedily followed.