"My dear Beryl! What can have put such an idea into your head?" he returned.
"Isn't it true, papa?" she asked anxiously.
"Certainly not," he replied, "nor ever will be."
"Oh, I am so glad!" she exclaimed, drawing a deep sigh of relief.
"Whatever has made you think of such a thing?" he asked again.
Then Beryl repeated to him the words she had heard pass between the two servants.
Mr. Hollys laughed as he listened, but yet he seemed annoyed.
"Whatever will people say next!" he exclaimed. "I never knew anything like the mischief women will make with their tongues. I hope you have not said a word of this to any one, Beryl?"
"I told Miss Burton," said Beryl.
"Did you? You should not have done so. What did she say?" he said quickly.