She did not go very far, but the minute grew into five before Fairy’s head was turned toward the gate again, ten ere it was re-entered, and the two pursued their way back to the house.
Lulu found that somehow her ride had ceased to be enjoyable, so dismounted, turned Fairy into the pasture where she and Elf were allowed to disport themselves when their services were not required, sauntered about the garden for a little, then on into the house, vainly trying all the time to stifle the reproaches of conscience for the act of disobedience of which she had been guilty.
Presently she went into the library. Violet was there writing letters. Lulu took possession of the easy-chair usually occupied by her father, took up a book that lay open on the table beside it, and began to read.
A few moments passed in silence; then Violet, glancing up from her writing, said gently: “Lulu, dear, that is a book which your father would not approve of your reading; I am quite sure of it.”
Lulu read on, paying no attention to the remark.
Violet waited a moment, then asked—still speaking in a gentle, kindly tone—“Did you hear me, Lulu?”
“Of course I did; I’m not deaf,” was the ungracious, not to say rude rejoinder.
“But you do not close the book.”
“No; if papa doesn’t want me to read books, he shouldn’t leave them lying around.”
“That is, you would have him treat you as one whom he can not trust? Whom he considers destitute of a sense of honor? since he has repeatedly told you, you must not read any book without first making sure of its being such as he would approve.”