Mr. Hollys' thoughts must have been very absorbing at that moment, for he started and looked round with the expression of one who had forgotten for a time where he was.
"Papa, I want to say something to you," whispered Beryl; "but don't speak loudly, because Coral is asleep."
"Well, what is it?" he asked, rousing himself with a sigh to listen.
"I want to ask you a question, papa," said Beryl, with unwonted timidity. "I hope you won't mind my asking it; I feel so very anxious to know."
"Of course I shall not mind, child," returned her father carelessly; "why make such a fuss about it? You are not generally shy of asking questions."
"But this is something very particular," said Beryl, still hesitating.
"Really! I am curious to hear what it is," he said playfully. "Out with it, Beryl."
"Papa, is it true that you are going to marry Mrs. Campbell?"
"What?" he exclaimed, in a tone of profound astonishment. "What do you say, Beryl?"
Beryl repeated the question.