Max's benefit.

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 c