"But would she be happy there, papa?" asked Beryl.
"I suppose so," he said. "I believe the children are well cared for in those places."
"I don't believe they are happy! I should think they must feel as if they were at school," said Beryl, to whom school-life seemed an experience to be dreaded. "Oh, papa, cannot you guess what I want you to do? I want you to promise that Coral shall never go away, unless her mother should get better, and wish to take her away. I want you to say that she may live with us always, and be my little sister."
"Well, upon my word, a slight request, truly," said Mr. Hollys. "Do you think I am such a rich man, Beryl, that I can afford to adopt daughters upon a moment's notice?"
"You are rich, are you not, papa? And it would not cost much, I should think," said Beryl. "Oh, papa, do not say no! I never wished for anything so much as I do for this."
"That was what you said, Beryl, when you asked me to give you a pony. You always know how to get round me. But this is a serious matter, and I must take time to think it over. I will do the best I can for poor little Coral, but I cannot at once promise to adopt the child."
And Beryl could get no more from her father that night. She was not without good hope of getting her wish, however, for when her father promised to "think over" any request of hers, he usually ended by complying with it.
[CHAPTER V]
BERYL HAS PERPLEXING THOUGHTS
THE next day was Sunday, and at breakfast Mr. Hollys told Beryl that he was going to church, and would take her with him if she could be ready in time.