“I never thought about different people having different temptations,” remarked Lulu, thoughtfully.  “Perhaps it isn’t so much harder for me to do right than for others, after all.”

“My grandfather is not unforgiving,” Elsie remarked as she turned to go; “and I think if you show that you are really sorry for your wrong-doing, he will restore you to your former privileges.”

Lulu went on with her work, but her thoughts were busy with that parting piece of advice, or rather the suggestion thrown out by Mrs. Leland.

Her pride strongly revolted against making any acknowledgment, and remembering that there was but one more day of her week left, she at length decided to await events and do the disagreeable duty only when she could no longer delay it without danger of banishment.

A remark she accidentally overheard from Rosie that afternoon made her more unwilling to apologize to Mr. Dinsmore; in fact, quite determined that she would do nothing of the kind.

Rosie was speaking to Zoe, as they entered the work-room together, and did not notice that Lulu was there reading in a deep window-seat, where she was partially concealed by a curtain.

“I think if Lulu is wise she will soon make it up with grandpa,” she was saying; “for Christmas is not so very far off, and of course she will get nothing from him if she continues obstinate and rebellious.”

Lulu did not wait to hear what Zoe might say in reply, but starting up in a fury of indignation, “I would have you to understand, Miss Rosie Travilla,” she said, “that I am not the mercenary creature you appear to believe me.  I would scorn to apologize in order to secure a gift from Mr. Dinsmore or anybody else; and if he gives me one, I shall not accept it.”

“I really do not think you will have the opportunity to reject a gift from him,” replied Rosie, with what seemed to Lulu exasperating coolness.  “However, I sincerely regret having said anything to rouse that fearful temper of yours.  I should not have spoken so had I known you were within earshot.”

“No, I have no doubt that you say many a mean thing of me behind my back that you would be ashamed, or afraid, to say to my face.”

Rosie laughed gleefully.  “Do you think I am afraid of you?” she asked in a mirthful tone, putting a strong emphasis upon the last word.

“Come, come, girls,” interposed Zoe, “you surely are not going to quarrel about nothing?”

“No; I have no quarrel with any one,” replied Rosie, turning about and leaving the room with a quick, light step.

Lulu threw her book from her, upon the seat from which she had just risen.

“She insults me and then walks off saying she has no quarrel with anybody!” she exclaimed passionately, addressing Zoe, who had remained behind with the laudable desire to say something to Lulu which should be as oil upon the troubled water.  “It’s bad enough to be abused without being forgiven for it.”