“I am quite of your opinion, Mrs. Manton,” said a familiar voice behind them; and turning, they perceived that they had been joined by Mr. Dinsmore, with Professor Manton bringing up the rear.

Lulu was growing very red and angry.

“But she is my husband’s child, grandpa,” urged Violet.

“And I am quite certain he would say she deserved nothing better while she continues obstinate in her rebellion against lawful authority,” he answered.

Lulu flashed an angry glance at him.

“It is no matter,” she said; “papa will set things right when he comes.  And, Mamma Vi, don’t be troubled about it; I shall tell him it was no fault of yours.”

“No,” Mr. Dinsmore said, smiling grimly.  “I shall not share the responsibility; my shoulders are quite broad enough to bear it all.”

Violet drew Lulu aside when they had all gone down stairs again, and with her arm about her waist pleaded tenderly, affectionately, with her to give up her rebellion and go home with them.

“We will start in a few minutes now,” she said; “and oh, dear child, I don’t want to leave you behind.  I shall grieve very much to think of you all alone in that miserable little room.  Does it not seem a poor place after those you have had at Ion and Viamede?”

“Yes, Mamma Vi, I have an idea that it’s a good deal like a prison-cell; but what do I care for that?  I’d despise myself if I could give up just for that.”

“No, dear, not for that, but because it is right to do it.”

“’Tisn’t worth while for you to trouble yourself to urge me any more, Mamma Vi,” Lulu said loftily; “I am as fully resolved as ever not to break my word.”

“Then good-by,” Violet said, with a sigh and a kiss.  “You are not to be ill-treated—­I settled that question with grandpa before we came; and if any one should attempt to ill-use you, let me know all about it at once.”

Elsie, too, kissed Lulu in bidding her good-by; but Mr. Dinsmore simply took her hand,—­given with evident reluctance,—­and said he was sorry to be compelled to banish her from the family-circle; yet if she willed it so, restoration to the comforts and privileges of home would not be long delayed.

Lulu followed them out to the veranda, expecting to see the family-carriage there with the other children, including her sister Grace, but was sorely disappointed to perceive that it had already driven away.

A smaller one, which had brought Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies, was still there, and she saw them enter, and watched it drive away till it was lost to sight among the trees.

Then a sudden sense of almost utter loneliness came over her, and rushing away to a secluded part of the grounds, she gave vent to her feelings in a storm of tears and sobs.

But by its very violence it soon spent itself; in a few moments she became quite calm, did her best to remove the traces of her tears, and went back to the house, reaching it just as her trunk arrived.