“What a very amiable countenance, Miss Raymond! and how very agreeable you have made yourself all day!”
“Max,” returned Lulu’s voice, in angry tones, “if you don’t quit teasing me, I’ll—”
“Max! Lulu!” interrupted the captain, sternly, “come here to me; both of you.”
Max obeyed instantly, appearing before his father looking very red and ashamed; but Lulu did not move.
“Lulu, did you hear me bid you come to me?” asked her father, with added sternness in his tones.
“Yes, sir,” she answered; then immediately added, in an under-tone, “but I’ll not come a step till I get ready.”
But low as the tone was, he heard her; a deeply-pained expression swept across his features, he turned suddenly pale, but rose without a word and moved with a calm, quiet step in the direction of his rebellious child.
Lulu started to her feet as he appeared in sight. “I will, papa; I’m coming.”
“Tardy obedience following upon a most insolent refusal to obey,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the side of the chair from which he had just risen.
He resumed his seat, dropping her hand, and she stood there with burning cheeks and eyes fixed on the carpet. Her refusal to obey had been upon the impulse of the moment, and not intended for her father’s ear, but she had spoken the insolent words louder than she was aware of doing.