This form of provocation was more annoying to Beryl than it would have been to many girls, because, as we have seen, she was inclined to esteem herself a person of considerable importance. Even as a little child she had displayed much personal dignity. Percy saw that she was what he called "a conceited little mortal," and he found more delight in tormenting her than in teasing Coral, who had less pride to be kindled into wrath.
Though she was often betrayed into bursts of passionate indignation, Beryl really tried to keep her temper under Percy's constant exasperation. She avoided his company as much as possible; but Percy, suspecting this, often thrust himself upon her in the most unexpected and unwelcome manner. Beryl's greatest comfort was the thought that this state of things could not last for ever. Percy's visit must come to an end some day.
At last her longing for his departure seemed about to be gratified. One day, towards the close of the third week of his stay, she heard him name the following Monday as the day of his return to town. Beryl was so pleased to hear this that she looked across the table at Coral with a beaming smile of congratulation.
Percy caught the look. "So you are pleased that I am going away," he said, looking at Beryl.
Beryl coloured and made no answer.
"Now, Beryl," said her aunt sharply, "don't behave in that absurd way. Say at once that you are sorry Percy is going to leave us."
But Beryl was too truthful to say that she was sorry, when she was feeling very glad. She remained silent.
"Oh, very well," said Percy carelessly; "I'm sorry my company is so unpleasant to you, for I was going to ask Mr. Hollys to bring you with him the next time he comes to town. But I dare say you would rather not stay at my mother's house, as you dislike me so much. You could not avoid seeing me sometimes whilst you were there."
This remark made Beryl uncomfortable. She had a great longing to go to London, and had often asked her father to take her with him when he went. There was nothing she would like better than a visit to town. But the prospect of staying at Mrs. Everard's was not altogether alluring. If Percy would be likely to tease her there, as he had teased her during the last few weeks, she would certainly prefer to remain at Egloshayle. She judged it better to preserve a strict neutrality on the subject, and said not a word, though Percy's suggestion had stirred new longings.
"It is very kind of your mother to be willing to have her," observed Miss Hollys; "but I am afraid she would repent of her kindness when she found what a troublesome charge Beryl is."