“Yes, you poor little thing! but I’m not so timid, you know.  Grandpa Dinsmore can’t frighten me into breaking my word.”

“But, you know, Lu,” said Max, coming in at that moment, “that papa has ordered us to obey Grandpa Dinsmore, and if we refuse we are disobeying our father too.”

“I am sure papa never thought he would want me to go on taking lessons of a man that struck me,” cried Lulu, indignantly.  “Besides, I’ve said I won’t, and nothing on earth shall make me break my word.”

“I wish papa was here,” sighed Max, looking sorely troubled.

“So do I,” responded Lulu.  “I’m sure he wouldn’t make me go back to that hateful old Signor Foresti.”

That evening Max, Lulu, Rosie, and Evelyn were in the schoolroom at Viamede, preparing their lessons for the morrow, when a servant came up with a message for Lulu; she was wanted in the library.

Flushing hotly, and looking a good deal disturbed, Lulu pushed aside her books and rose to obey the summons.

“Only Miss Lulu? nobody else, Jim?” asked Rosie.

“I ’spects so, Miss Rosie; dat’s all Massa Dinsmore say.”

“Oh, Lu, I’m sorry for you!” whispered Evelyn, catching Lulu’s hand and pressing it affectionately in hers.

“You’re very kind, but I’m not afraid,” Lulu answered, drawing herself up with dignity; then she hurried to the library, not giving herself time to think what might be in store for her there.

She started with surprise, and paused for an instant on the threshold, as she perceived that Professor Manton was there with Mr. Dinsmore, who was the only other occupant of the room.

“Come in, Lulu,” Mr. Dinsmore said, seeing her hesitation; “you have nothing to fear if you are disposed to be good and docile.”

As he spoke he pointed to a low chair by his side.

Lulu came quietly forward and took it.

“I’m not afraid, Grandpa Dinsmore,” she said in low, even tones.  “Good-evening, Professor Manton.”

“Good-evening,” he replied, with a stiff nod.  “I am sorry to be brought here by so unpleasant a duty as laying a complaint against you.”

“You needn’t care; I don’t,” she said with the utmost nonchalance.

He lifted his eyebrows in astonishment, and had nearly forgotten his dignity so far as to utter a low whistle, but caught himself just in time.

Mr. Dinsmore frowned darkly.

“What is the meaning of such talk, Lulu?” he inquired.  “If you do not care for the displeasure of teachers and guardians you are indeed a naughty girl.”

He paused for a reply, but none came, and he went on:  “Professor Manton has brought me a report of your conduct to-day, agreeing substantially with the one given by yourself, and I have called you down to tell him in your presence that you are to go on taking lessons of Signor Foresti.”

Lulu’s cheeks crimsoned, and she looked from one to the other with flashing eyes.