"I think that is what he will find me, Grandma Elsie," replied the determinately self-willed little girl.
"Surely you are showing scant gratitude for the many kindnesses received at my father's hands," Elsie said; "but I will not upbraid you with them. You may go now."
Feeling somewhat ashamed of herself, yet far from prepared to submit,
Lulu rose and hastened from the room.
She knew nothing of what had passed between Mr. Dinsmore and Professor Manton after her dismissal the night before, and it was with a quaking heart she entered the schoolroom at Oakdale that morning.
Yet though in fear and dread, she had not the slightest intention of abandoning her position in regard to the music-lessons.
Nothing, however, was said to her on the subject till the hour for meeting the signor. Then Miss Diana directed her to go and finish her lesson of the previous day; but on receiving a refusal, merely remarked that it should be reported to her guardians and her punishment left to them.
Evelyn gave her friend an entreating look, but Lulu shook her head, then fixed her eyes upon her book.
As they drove home to Viamede in the afternoon, Grace was waiting for them on the veranda there.
"Oh, Lulu," she cried, as the latter came up the steps, "mamma has been helping me to fix up my baby-house, and it is so pretty! Do come right up to the play-room and see it."
"I can't, Gracie," Lulu answered, coloring and looking vexed and mortified.