Beryl's Triumph by Eglanton Thorne

DAVID GILBANK lost no time in sending Mr. Hollys the address he wanted; but Mr. Hollys suffered some days to pass ere he went in search of Robert Harvey. When he did call at the private hotel at which that gentleman had been staying, he learned that Mr. Robert Harvey had sailed for Canada on the previous day. He had stated that business called him suddenly away, but that his visit would be brief, and he hoped to return to London by the end of the summer. But Mr. Hollys, having made up his mind that this could not be Coral's uncle, concerned himself very little about Mr. Harvey's doings. He told the children the result of his enquiries, and then dismissed the matter from his mind-an example they speedily followed.

Beryl found a pleasant surprise awaiting her on her return from visiting Mr. Gilbank, in the shape of a kind note from Miss Burton inviting her pupils to spend a long day with her at her home. No prospect could have seemed more delightful to the two children, and when the day arrived, they enjoyed it fully as much as they expected.

Space does not permit us to dwell upon the pleasures of that long day at Hampstead-the kindness of Miss Burton's mother and sisters, the freedom in which they were allowed to make acquaintance with every corner of the little old-fashioned house, and the delightful ramble over Hampstead Heath, which set the children longing to return to the country.

Too quickly the day passed. As they came back from their walk, their tongues still busy-for it seemed as if they could never say all they wanted to Miss Burton-they were dismayed to find Mrs. Everard's carriage already awaiting them at the gate of the cottage.

"We told Lucy not to come till nine," they said; "and it is not nine yet."

But, to their surprise, it was not Lucy, but Mr. Hollys, who had come to fetch them. They found him in the little drawing-room talking to Mrs. Burton. He had come, he said, in order to have a few words with Miss Burton. He wanted to make arrangements for the children's return home with her early in the following week.

"Oh, are we going home? " exclaimed both the children at once. "That will be nice!"

"Well, I never! " exclaimed Mr. Hollys. "What strange creatures children are! You were glad enough to come away, and now you are just as delighted to go back."

"Oh, but you know, papa," said Beryl, "there is no place like home."

Little Coral was wearied with her long day of enjoyment, and as they drove home she fell asleep in her corner of the carriage. But Beryl was wide awake, and her mind working busily. Suddenly she perceived that this was a favourable opportunity of putting to her father a question she had resolved to ask him, though she had much dread of what his answer might be.

She leaned forward and gently touched his hand to attract his attention.

Mr. Hollys' thoughts must have been very absorbing at that moment, for he started and looked round with the expression of one who had forgotten for a time where he was.

"Papa, I want to say something to you," whispered Beryl; "but don't speak loudly, because Coral is asleep."

"Well, what is it? " he asked, rousing himself with a sigh to listen.

"I want to ask you a question, papa," said Beryl, with unwonted timidity. "I hope you won't mind my asking it; I feel so very anxious to know."

"Of course I shall not mind, child," returned her father carelessly; "why make such a fuss about it? You are not generally shy of asking questions."

"But this is something very particular," said Beryl, still hesitating.

"Really! I am curious to hear what it is," he said playfully. "Out with it, Beryl."

"Papa, is it true that you are going to marry Mrs. Campbell?"

"What? " he exclaimed, in a tone of profound astonishment. "What do you say, Beryl?"