He covered his face with his hands, while a few tears trickled down her cheeks. They were, however, tears of regret that her falsehood had been detected, and not tears of penitence for her sin.
"Bring the bonnet and mantilla to me," he said, presently. "Pack them in the boxes in which they came."
Astonished at such a command from her usually indulgent parent, Alice reluctantly obeyed.
"To-morrow morning these will be returned," he said, in a firm tone, after having satisfied himself that they were in no way injured.
"But they have been worn, papa," she began, the tears now flowing copiously.
He made no answer, and presently waved his hand for her to leave the room, but suddenly called her back to say, "You can unpack your trunks. I am satisfied Mrs. Lerow's influence over you has not been what I wished. I shall look out for a school of an entirely different character, where such finery would be out of place."
[CHAPTER IX.]
THE FATHER OF LIES.
BUT where all this time was Joseph, with whose story we commenced this book. In accordance with his aunt's advice, he had been sent to a day-school, and was, therefore, for six hours of every day under wholesome restraint. Miss Sanborn, an excellent young teacher, well-calculated to win not only the love but the respect of her pupils, soon discovered his habit of lying, and took every pains to correct it. But, young as he was, his lips had so thoroughly learned deceit that she could make no impression upon him.
Every day, at the close of the school, the children were required to give in their report as to their own conduct, or the teacher would ask them like this:—