"Then you mean to say that I am an idiot!" she said, flashing an angry glance at him.
"Not at all; for I cannot believe that you were laughing at nothing," he replied.
"Anyhow, I am not going to tell you what I was laughing at," said Beryl.
"Then you own you were laughing at something, and what you said first was not true," returned Percy.
To Beryl's vexation it was impossible to continue longer this amiable sparring, as they were about to enter the church, so Percy had the last word, and his triumphant, mischievous look, as he seated himself opposite to Beryl in the large square pew, showed how he appreciated the advantage he had gained.
Mr. Hollys had some talk with Miss Burton as they walked home from church. She told him her plans for the children's party, and he became quite interested in them, and had not the least objection to make.
To Beryl's delight, it was decided that the fishermen's children should be invited for the following Friday. That afternoon she went with Coral down to the beach, where many of their little scholars were playing, and as the children gathered eagerly about her, she told them of the treat in store for them, and made them all promise to come to her home on Friday afternoon. The children could not readily express their pleasure; but their surprised, delighted looks showed how pleased they were.
Leaving the children to talk freely about the grand idea of taking tea with the little ladies at Egloshayle House, Coral and Beryl strolled along the beach in the shadow of the over-hanging cliffs.
"How surprised they looked," said Coral, "and I am sure they were very glad."
"Of course they were," returned Beryl; "it will be delightful. Oh, isn't it nice to think that by this time to-morrow that horrid Percy will have left us, and we shall have no fear of his interfering to spoil everything. I'm longing to see him drive away."