"Beryl must get a little more knowledge before she goes to London; do you not think so, Miss Burton?" observed Mr. Hollys. "It will not do to display her ignorance there."
Much disconcerted at finding herself thus made the subject of conversation, Beryl hastily finished her breakfast and escaped from the room as soon as possible.
Beryl's spirits rose as Monday drew near. There was no reason why her birthday party should not be given at the close of that week, if her father would give his consent, for already many of the guests had gone, and the last would have left by then.
She watched for an opportunity of speaking to her father, and managed to secure his company as they walked to church on Sunday morning; Miss Burton aiding her by monopolising Percy's attention, and keeping him by her side all the way.
"That will be rather an odd sort of birthday party, Beryl," said Mr. Hollys, when she had explained her scheme to him. "Shall you know what to do with such visitors?"
"Oh yes, papa, Miss Burton knows how to manage everything, and we have thought of all sorts of ways of amusing the children."
"Then Miss Burton is ready to second your wishes; she approves of this wild idea?"
"Of course, papa. Why, I believe she was the one who first thought of it," said Beryl. "Please don't call it a wild idea; I do so want you to say 'Yes.'"
Mr. Hollys did not hesitate long. Like many kindhearted, easy-tempered men, he enjoyed giving pleasure to others, when it could be done without inconvenience to himself. He was one, moreover, who liked to be popular with the people amongst whom he dwelt, and he knew that Beryl's entertainment would highly please the parents of the children she invited.
"Well, Beryl, I dare say it can be managed," he said. "I must talk it over with Miss Burton, and hear how she intends to arrange the affair."