She removed the handkerchief and held the hand out before him.
"Who did that? Who dared do such a thing to my sister?" he asked hotly, his face crimsoning with anger and indignation.
"Never mind who," said Lulu.
"Signor Foresti," said Rosie. "I hope grandpa will have him fined and imprisoned for it—such a cowardly, savage attack as it was!"
"I only wish I was big enough and strong enough to flog him well for it," growled Max, clenching his fists and speaking between his shut teeth. "If papa were here, I think the cowardly villain wouldn't escape without a sound drubbing."
Lulu laughed rather hysterically as she said, "I took the law into my own hands, Max, and punished him pretty well for it, I believe."
"You did!" he exclaimed in utter astonishment; "how? I shouldn't think you had the strength to grapple with him."
"I didn't, exactly, but before he knew what was coming I hit him a blow that I think nearly knocked him down;" and she went on to repeat the whole story for Max's benefit.
The occurrence was the theme of conversation all the way home; and on their arrival, Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies being found on the veranda, the case was at once laid before them in all its details.
All were indignant at the treatment Lulu had received, but somewhat shocked, also, at her retaliation.