The gentleman ceased speaking, and looked with searching, though kindly glances at the people standing about him. Many had listened only with idle wonder; but on some few his words had made a deep impression.
These now moved forward to shake hands with him and utter their rough but hearty thanks. Beryl remained beside the gentleman, although she was aware that Lucy, who had lingered on the outskirts of the crowd, was beckoning to her to come away.
Beryl was determined that she would not move till she had spoken to the stranger, and perhaps asked him the question she was so anxious to have answered.
[CHAPTER VII]
BERYL GAINS A FRIEND
BERYL had to wait for some minutes before she could speak to the stranger, whose words had so interested her.
The gentleman was not unaware of the little figure waiting patiently beside him; but many persons were just then claiming his attention, and he thought it best not to speak to the child till he was at leisure to hear all that she might have to say. One by one the strange congregation dispersed, and, having said the last good-bye, he turned to meet Beryl's upturned glance.
"Well, my dear," he said, noting with pleasure the pretty flushed face and soft blue eyes of the child; "I saw you listening to me just now. What is your name, if you do not mind telling me?"
"Beryl Hollys. We live at Egloshayle House. I dare say you know my papa," said Beryl, displaying some consciousness of her own importance.
"Yes, I have heard of your father since I have been at Egloshayle," the stranger replied. "So your name is Beryl—a precious stone. Well, my child, you must make your name good. You must be a precious stone in the living temple. I heard you say you were willing to be a child of the kingdom."