Hastening back to her own apartments, she found Lulu still in high good-humor, laughing and romping with the babe, allowing it to pat her cheeks and pull her hair with perfect impunity.
"Mamma Vi," she said, "isn't she a darling?"
"I think so," replied Violet; "but I fear she is hurting you, for I know from experience that she can pull hair very hard."
"Oh," said Lulu, "I don't mind such a trifling hurt, as it amuses her."
Still she seemed quite ready to resign baby to her mother.
"What more can I do, Mamma Vi?" she asked.
"Don't you want to finish that pretty bracket you were at yesterday?" asked Violet.
"Yes, ma'am; unless there is something I can do to help you."
"Nothing at present, thank you, dear," Violet answered; and giving a parting kiss to the baby, Lulu hastened away to the work-room.
She toiled on industriously, much interested in her carving, cheerful and happy, but watching the clock on the mantel as the time drew near for Mr. Dinsmore's pupils to be dismissed from their tasks.