On leaving the table Lulu seated herself in the porch with a book. She was still sitting there alone when Marian came out with her hat on and a basket in her hand.
“Do you feel inclined for a walk, Miss Lulu?” she asked. “I am going down town on an errand for mother, and should be delighted to have your company if you would like to go.”
“Yes, I should,” returned Lulu. “I’ll go if I can get permission. Papa is in his room writing letters; can you wait a minute while I run and ask him?”
“Oh, yes, indeed; two minutes, if you wish,” replied Marian sportively, and Lulu hurried into the house.
She was back again almost immediately, with hat, gloves and parasol.
“Papa says I may go with you to do your errand, but must come directly home again.”
“I didn’t suppose you would have to ask permission just to go down town with me,” remarked Marian, in surprise, as they walked on together; “your father seems to pet you so that I had an idea you could do exactly as you pleased.”
“Oh, no, indeed!” Lulu answered, with a contented little laugh. “Papa pets and indulges us all, but still he is very strict about some things. I must never go anywhere without asking leave; not outside of the grounds, by myself, when I’m at home.”
“I suppose that is because he’s afraid something might harm you? something or somebody?” Marian said, interrogatively.
“Yes, I know that’s his reason, and it’s because he loves me so dearly. If it wasn’t for that I’d be very rebellious sometimes, I’m afraid; for I’m naturally very wilful, always wanting to have my own way.”