It was not a question to be decided in a moment; it required time for thought; a careful consideration of seemingly conflicting duties; a careful balancing of inclinations and interests, and for seeking counsel of his best, his almighty and all-wise, Friend.

At Ion, as the summer heats approached, the question was mooted, “Where shall we spend the next two or three months?” After some discussion, it was decided that all should go North to Cape May for a time:  afterward they would break up into smaller parties, and scatter to different points of interest, as they might fancy.

Lester and Elsie Leland would spend a portion of the season at Cliff Cottage,—­Evelyn’s old home,—­taking her and Lulu with them.

Edward and Zoe, too, and probably some of the others, would visit there.

All necessary arrangements had been made, and they were to start the next day, when at last letters were received from Capt.  Raymond.

Lulu’s heart beat very fast at sight of them.  She had been full of delight at the prospect of her Northern trip, especially the visit to be paid with Evelyn to her former home; the latter having in their private talks dwelt much upon its many attractions, and the life she had led there in the sweet companionship of her beloved father.

“Would there be any thing in papa’s letter to prevent the carrying out of the cherished plans?” Lulu asked herself as, in fear and trembling, she watched Violet opening with eager fingers the packet handed her at the breakfast-table.

Max and Gracie, too, looked on with interest quite equal to Lulu’s; but in their case there was only joyous expectancy unmingled with dread.

“There is something for each of us, as usual,” Violet said presently, with a smiling glance from one to another,—­“Max, Lulu, Gracie, and myself.”

Lulu received hers,—­only a folded slip of paper,—­and, asking to be excused, stole away to the privacy of her own room to read it.

“My dear little daughter [it ran],—­The story of your misconduct has given a very sad heart to the father who loves you so dearly.  I forgive you, my child, but can no longer let you remain at Ion to be a trouble and torment to our kind friends there.  I shall remove you elsewhere as soon as I can settle upon a suitable place.  In the mean time, if you are truly sorry for the past, you will, I am sure, earnestly strive to be patient, submissive and obedient to those who have you in charge.

“Your loving father,

“L.  Raymond.”

The paper fell from Lulu’s hand, and fluttered to the floor, as she folded her arms upon the sill of the window beside which she had seated herself, and rested her head upon them.

“And that’s all; just that I am to go away, nobody knows where; to be separated from Max and Gracie and every one else that I care for:  and when papa comes home, maybe he won’t visit me at all; or, if he does, it will be for only a little bit, because, of course, he will want to spend most of his leave where the others are.  Oh, dear! oh, dear!  I wish I’d been good!  I wish I’d been born sweet-tempered and patient, like Gracie.  I wonder if papa will ever, ever let me come back!