The occurrence was the theme of conversation all the way home; and on their arrival, Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies being found on the veranda, the case was at once laid before them in all its details.

All were indignant at the treatment Lulu had received, but somewhat shocked, also, at her retaliation.

“You should not have done that,” Mr. Dinsmore said reprovingly; “it was by no means lady-like.  I should not have blamed you for at once vacating the piano-stool and walking out of the room; but his punishment should have been left to older and wiser hands.”

“There’s enough more owing him for older and wiser hands to attend to,” remarked Lulu; “and I hope it won’t be neglected.”

An amused smile trembled about the corners of Mr. Dinsmore’s mouth; but only for an instant.

“Measures shall be taken to prevent a recurrence of the unpleasantness of to-day,” he said with becoming gravity.  “I shall myself call upon the signor and warn him to beware of ever repeating it.”

“He won’t repeat it to me, because I shall never take another lesson from him,” said Lulu, steadily, looking straight into Mr. Dinsmore’s eyes as she spoke.

“The choice is not with you,” he answered somewhat sternly; “you are under orders and must do as you are bid.  But we will not discuss the matter further at present,” he added with a wave of the hand, as dismissing her.

She turned to go, in no very amiable mood.

“Lulu, dear,” said Grandma Elsie, rising and following her, “those poor fingers must be attended to.  I have some salve which will be soothing and healing to them; will you come with me and let me dress them with it?”

“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” the child answered half chokingly, the kind sympathy expressed in the words and tones quite overcoming her with a strong reaction from the stubborn, defiant mood into which Mr. Dinsmore’s closing remarks had thrown her.

Mr. Dinsmore’s decision was truly a disappointment to all the children; for once even Rosie was inclined to warmly espouse Lulu’s cause.  Though standing in considerable awe of her grandfather, she ventured upon a mild remonstrance.

“Grandpa, don’t you think that man has behaved badly enough to deserve to lose his pupil?”

“I do most decidedly,” he answered; “but Lulu is improving wonderfully under his tuition, and should not, I think, be allowed to lose the advantage of it while we remain here.”

“I very much fear his usefulness is over so far as she is concerned,” sighed Violet.  “And, grandpa, I dread the struggle you will certainly have with her if you insist upon her continuance in his class.  I never saw a more determined look than she wore when she said that she would never take another lesson of him.”

“Do not trouble yourself,” he said; “I think I am fully equal to the contest.  I should gladly avoid it if it seemed to me right to do so, but it does not.  It is high time Lulu was taught proper submission to lawful authority.”