uld have been more thoroughly convinced of their
heinousness and striven harder and with greater success to conquer them.

"Therefore, after much thought and deliberation, and much prayer for
guidance and direction, I have fully decided that I ought to punish you
severely for the repeated acts of disobedience you have been guilty of
in the last few days, and the constant exhibition of ill-temper.

"It pains me exceedingly to do it, but I must not consider my own
feelings where my dear child's best interests are concerned."

"Is it because I asked you to do it, papa?" she inquired. "I never
thought you would when I said it."

"No; I have been thinking seriously on the subject ever since you
behaved so badly the day of the 'squantum,' and had very nearly decided
the question just as I have fully decided it now. I know you are an
honest child, even when the truth is against you; tell me, do you not
yourself think that I am right?"

"Yes, sir," she answered, low and tremulously, after a moment's struggle
with herself. "Oh, please do it at once, so it will be over soon!"

"I will," he said, rising and leading her into the inner room; "you
shall not have the torture of anticipation a moment longer."

Though the punishment was severe beyond Lulu's worst anticipations, she
bore it without outcry or entreaty, feeling that she richly deserved it,
and determined that no one who might be within hearing should learn from
any sound she uttered what was going on. Tears and now and then a
half-suppressed sob were the only evidences of suffering that she
allowed herself to give.

Her father was astonished at her fortitude, and more than ever convinced
that she had in her the elements of a noble character.

The punishment over, he took her in his arms, laying her head against
his breast. Both were silent, her tears falling like rain.

At length, with a heart-broken sob, "You hurt me terribly, papa," she
said; "I didn't think you would ever want to hurt me so."

"I did not want to," he answered in moved tones; "it was sorely against
my inclination, I cannot tell you how gladly I should have borne twice
the pain for you if so I could have made you a good girl. I know you
have sometimes troubled yourself with foolish fears that you had less
than your fair share of my affection; but I have not a child that is
nearer or dearer to me than you are, my darling. I love you very much."

"I'm so glad, papa; I 'most wonder you can," she