“I don’t choose to be lectured by you, Max,” returned Lulu, with a toss of her head.

“No; but what do you suppose papa would say to this morning’s behavior?”

“Suppose you write and tell him all about it, and see what he says,” she returned scornfully.

“You know I would not do such a thing,” said Max; “but I should think you would feel bound to do it.”

“I intend to some day,” she answered, almost humbly; “but I don’t think I need just now; ’tisn’t likely he’d get the story anyhow for weeks or months.”

“Well, you’ll do your own way, of course, but if it was my case I’d rather confess, and have it off my mind.”

So saying, Max turned and walked toward the house, Lulu slowing following.

Though determined not to show it, she quite dreaded meeting any one belonging to the family; but she was already too thoroughly chilled to think of staying out another moment.  Besides, the more she reflected upon the matter, the more plainly she saw that her misconduct could not be hidden from the family; they would notice that she did not go into the schoolroom as usual; they would see by Mr. Dinsmore’s manner toward her that she was in disgrace with him, and would know it was not without cause; therefore to remain longer out in the cold was only delaying for a very little while the ordeal which she must face sooner or later.  Still she deemed it cause for rejoicing that she succeeded in gaining her own room without meeting any one.

CHAPTER XIII.

“What’s done we partly may compute,
But know not what’s resisted.”

Burns.

Poor little Grace was sorely distressed over her sister’s misconduct and the consequent displeasure of Mr. Dinsmore.

On being dismissed from the schoolroom she went directly to her mamma’s apartments.  She knew she would be alone there, as Violet had gone out driving, and shutting herself in, she indulged in a hearty cry.

She was aware of the danger that Lulu would be sent away, and could not bear the thought of separation from her—­the only sister she had except the baby.

Their mutual love was very strong; and Lulu was ever ready to act as Grace’s champion, did anyone show the slightest disposition to impose upon or ill-treat her; and it was seldom indeed that she herself was anything but the kindest of the kind to her.

Finding her young step-mother ever ready with sympathy—­and help, too, where that was possible—­Grace had long since formed the habit of carrying to her all her little troubles and vexations, and also all her joys.

She longed to open her heart now to “mamma,” but Mr. Dinsmore’s parting injunction as he dismissed his pupils for the day seemed to forbid it.  Grace felt that even that partial relief was denied her.

But Violet came suddenly upon her, and surprised her in the midst of her tears.