CHAPTER XXIII.

LULU.

Before two days had passed Zoe was quite herself again, and as full of
delight at the prospect of going away for a little trip as any child could
have been. She wore so bright a face, was so merry and frolicsome, that it
was a pleasure to watch her, especially when with her husband, and not
aware that any other eye was upon her.

His face, too, beamed with happiness.

Elsie's eyes resting upon them would sometimes fill with tears--half of
joy in their felicity, half of sorrowful yet tender reminiscence. In his
present mood Edward was very like his father in looks, in speech, in
manner.

Tuesday morning came, bringing with it delightful weather; Edward had
decided to take a later train than when starting before, because he would
not have Zoe roused too soon from sleep.

They took breakfast with the family at the usual hour, an open barouche
waiting for them at the door; then with a gay good-by to all set out upon
their journey, driving to the nearest station, and there taking the cars.

"I wish I was going, too!" sighed Lulu, as she and Rosie stood looking
after the barouche.

"Mamma would have let us drive over to the station with them," said Rose;
"Edward asked if we might, but Ben had some errands to do in town, and
couldn't bring us back in time for lessons."

"Lessons! I'm sick and tired of them!" grumbled Lulu. "Other children had
holidays last week, but we had to go right on studying."

"But we are to take ours in a week or two, visiting at the Oaks and the
Laurels, perhaps two weeks at each place, and I'm sure that will be nicer
than to have had Easter holidays at home."

"There, it's out of sight," said Lulu. "I'd like to be Aunt Zoe, just
starting off on a journey. Let's take a run down the avenue, Rosie."

"I would, but I must look over my Latin lesson, or I may not be ready for
grandpa."

With the last words she turned and went into the house.

Lulu knew that she was not ready for Mr. Dinsmore either, but she was in
no mood for study, and the grounds looked so inviting that she yielded to
the temptation to take a ramble instead.

Max, from his window, saw her wandering about among the shrubs and flowers
and longed to join her. He was bearing his punishment in a very good
spirit, making no complaint, spending his time in study, reading, writing
and carving.

Mr. Dinsmore came to him to hear his recitations, and was always able to
commend them as excellent. He