As the hour drew near when the school would be dismissed for the day, a servant came in with a message.  She said a few words in a low tone to Miss Diana, who at once turned to Lulu, saying,

“You are wanted in the parlor, Miss Raymond.”

The child’s heart beat fast as she rose and obeyed the summons, but quieted when, on entering the parlor, she found Elsie and Violet its sole occupants.  They had always been gentle and kind to her, and she loved without fearing them.

They made a place for her on the sofa between them, and taking her hand in a kind clasp, Elsie said, “We have come to take you home, dear child, if you are now ready to be good and obedient.”

“I didn’t take the lesson, Grandma Elsie, and I don’t intend ever to do it as long as I live,” Lulu answered in even, steady tones.  “It was very kind in you and Mamma Vi to come for me, but I shall have to stay here till Grandpa Dinsmore gives up asking such an unreasonable thing of me.”

“Then, Violet,” Elsie said, “nothing remains for us but to see that she has comfortable accommodations, and leave her here.”

At this moment Mrs. Manton came hurrying in with profuse apologies for not having come sooner, but through the negligence of the servant she had been until this moment kept in ignorance of their arrival.

“No, you must not blame the servant,” Elsie said; “she acted by my directions.  We wished to see this little girl alone for a few minutes, and not to disturb you; knowing that you are busy with your pupils at this hour of the day.”

“Ah! then perhaps I am intruding;” and Mrs. Manton drew herself up with dignity.

“Oh no, not at all,” Elsie returned pleasantly; “our private interview with the child is at an end.  She is now to be placed here as a boarder—­as you may perhaps know; and, if you please, we would like to see the room she is to occupy.”

“Certainly, Mrs. Travilla.  She can have her choice of several—­or you the choice for her,” Mrs. Manton replied, graciously leading the way as she spoke.

“You would like to come too?” Elsie said inquiringly, holding out a hand to Lulu.

“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” Lulu answered, slipping hers into it.

They were shown several large rooms, intended and furnished for from four to six occupants each; two others of somewhat smaller size, which Mrs. Manton called double rooms; and one little one over the hall, which she said Lulu could have to herself, if she liked that better than sharing a larger one with a schoolmate.

To Lulu’s eyes it looked uninviting enough:  so small, furnished with only one window, a single bed, one chair, bureau and wash-stand of very plain, cheap material, somewhat the worse for wear, and just a strip or two of carpet both faded and worn.

“I think this will hardly do,” Violet said gently.  “Have you nothing better to offer, Mrs. Manton?”

“No room that the young girl can have to herself,” was the cold, half-offended reply.  “Excuse me for saying so, but I think it is quite good enough for so obstinate and rebellious a child as I have understood she is.”