“Certainly I should, mamma; one might as well steal as refuse to pay what one honestly owes; unless it be entirely out of one’s power.”

“You are speaking of pecuniary obligations.  Now apply the same rule to this other:  you have taken something from Lulu’s peace of mind (a possession more valuable than money), and can you refuse an honest endeavor to restore it?”

“Mamma, you have a most convincing way of putting things,” Rosie said, between a smile and a sigh.  “I will do as you wish, and try not to repeat the offence which calls for so humiliating a reparation.”

So saying, she rose and left the room, anxious to have the disagreeable duty over as soon as possible.

Rightly conjecturing Lulu’s whereabouts, she went directly to the work-room and found her and Evelyn chatting there together.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves, but a frown suddenly darkened Lulu’s brow as she turned her head at the opening of the door and saw who was there.

“Excuse the interruption, girls,” Rosie said pleasantly.  “I only want to say a few words and then I will go.  Lulu, I have come to pay that debt.  Mamma has convinced me that I have done very wrong in teasing you, and ought to apologize.  I therefore ask your pardon for any and every unpleasant word I have ever addressed to you.”

Before Rosie had fairly finished what she had to say, warm-hearted, impulsive Lulu had risen to her feet, run hastily to her and thrown her arms round her neck.

“Oh, Rosie,” she cried, “I’ve been just too hateful for anything!  I ought to be able to stand a little teasing, and you needn’t apologize for vexing such a quick-tempered piece as I am.”

“Yes, I should,” returned Rosie.  “Mamma has shown me that I have been greatly to blame.  But I trust we shall be good friends after this.”

“So do I,” said Lulu.

CHAPTER XV.

“’Tis a goodly scene—­
Yon river, like a silvery snake, lays out
His coil i’ th’ sunshine, lovingly; it breathes
Of freshness in this lap of flowery meadows.”

Hunt.

“Oh, isn’t this just the loveliest, loveliest country!” exclaimed Evelyn, rapturously; “what does anybody want to go to Europe for?  If for beautiful scenery, I should advise them—­all Americans, I mean—­to travel over their own land first.”

“So should I,” responded Lulu.  “I don’t believe there can be lovelier scenery on this earth than what we have been passing through for hours past!  I wonder how near we are now to Viamede?”

“We are beside it—­the estate—­at this moment,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore, overhearing their talk; “this orange-orchard is a part of it.”

Exclamations of delight followed the announcement.  Everybody on board the little steamer that had been threading its way up Teche Bayou and through lake and lakelet, past swamp, forest, plantation and plain, miles upon miles of smooth, velvety lawns, dotted with magnificent oaks and magnolias, and lordly villas peering through groves of orange-trees—­everybody, although they had greatly enjoyed the short voyage, was glad to know they were nearing their desired haven.