"Yes, of course, why should I not? I am rather proud of my swimming," said Miss Burton.
"I did not think governesses ever did such things as that," said Beryl wonderingly.
The tone in which Beryl said this struck Miss Burton as so droll that she burst into a merry laugh, which lasted some seconds.
"Why, what a funny notion you have of governesses," she said, as soon as she could speak. "Who has been talking to you about them?"
"No one," replied Beryl, as she turned away with hot cheeks, her pride uneasy under the fear that she had made herself ridiculous.
But she soon forgot her annoyance, and returned to Miss Burton's side to listen with intense enjoyment to her cheery talk. Beryl was getting quite fascinated with her pretty young governess.
"Do you know my papa?" she asked presently. "That is his portrait, taken many years ago, before I was born," and she pointed to a head in oils which hung against the wall.
"No, I have not seen your papa," said Miss Burton, rising to look at the portrait. "Mrs. Everard made every arrangement for my coming here, and I had no interview with Mr. Hollys. I can see that you are like your father, Beryl."
"Have you a father, Miss Burton?" asked little Coral, looking earnestly at the young lady.
"No, dear, not on earth," replied Miss Burton, dropping her voice, whilst a momentary shadow passed over her face; "my father died five years ago."