The captain addressed himself first to Max: “I am sorry, my son, to find that you have not sufficient regard for either your sister’s feelings or my wishes to lead you to refrain from teasing her; though you know it is an easy matter to rouse her quick temper and so get her into trouble.”
“It was very thoughtless and wrong in me, papa,” said Max, frankly. “I beg your pardon, and Lulu’s too, and will try not to do so again.”
“That is right, my boy, and I am not angry with you now; but as this is not the first time I have had to reprove you for the same fault, I think I must inflict a slight punishment to impress the lesson upon your mind. You will go to your room and stay there till the tea-bell rings.”
“Yes, sir; it is a much lighter punishment than I deserve,” Max said, moving instantly to obey.
He had gone and Lulu was left alone with her justly-displeased father. There was silence for a moment. She still stood by the side of his chair, and though her eyes were downcast, she felt that his were fixed upon her. Her countenance was sullen; he could perceive in it no sign of penitence.
“I am quite certain,” he said at length, speaking in a grave, sad tone, “that it will not be long before my little daughter will be almost overwhelmed with remorse on account of this day’s behavior toward the father whom, I know beyond a doubt, she loves with all her heart.”
Before he had finished his sentence a change had come over her. “O papa,” she cried, suddenly moving closer to his side and throwing her arm round his neck, “I’m sorry now; oh, so, so sorry and ashamed! Please, please forgive me for saying such naughty, naughty, rebellious words to you; and please punish me for it just as hard as you can!” and dropping her head on his shoulder she ended with a storm of tears and sobs.
“I am afraid I must indeed punish you for your own sake,” he said, sighing deeply; “it would hardly do to pass lightly over so flagrant a breach of discipline, so insolent a refusal to submit to lawful authority.”
“I didn’t mean to speak so you’d hear me, papa.”
“Ah! I am not at all sure that that admission sets your conduct in a more favorable light.”