treated the boy in a kind, fatherly manner,
talking to him of his sin and the way to obtain forgiveness and
deliverance from it, very much as Elsie and Violet had.

Yet he did not harp continually upon that, but dwelt often upon other
themes, trying so to treat the lad that his self-respect might be
restored.

Max appreciated the kindness shown him, and was strengthened in his good
resolutions. He was privately very much troubled about his losses,
particularly that of the watch, supposing it to be in Ralph's possession,
for Mr. Dinsmore had said nothing to him on the subject.

Being very fond of his sisters, Max felt the separation from them no small
part of his punishment; he followed Lulu's movements this morning with
wistful eyes.

She looked up, and seeing his rather pale, sad face at the window, drew
nearer and called softly to him, "Max, how are you? I'm so sorry for
you."

He only shook his head and turned away.

Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice spoke sternly from a lower window, "Lulu, you
are disobeying orders. Go into the house and to the school-room
immediately. You ought to have been there fully a quarter of an hour ago."

Lulu was a little frightened, and obeyed at once.

"You are late, Lulu. You must try to be more punctual in future," Elsie
said in a tone of mild rebuke, as the little girl sat down at her desk.

"I don't care if I am," she muttered, insolently.

Rose darted at her a look of angry astonishment, Gracie looked shocked,
and little Walter said, "It's very, _very_ naughty to speak so to my
mamma."

But Elsie did not seem to have heard; her face still wore its usual sweet,
placid expression. Lulu thought she had not heard, but found out her
mistake when she went forward to recite. She was told in a gentle, quiet
tone, "You are not my pupil, to-day, Lulu," and returned to her seat
overwhelmed with embarrassment and anger.

No further notice was taken of her by any one excerpt Gracie, who now and
then stole a troubled, half-pitying look at her, until Mr Dinsmore came
to hear the Latin lessons.

Lulu had sat idly at her desk nursing her anger and discontent, her eyes
on the book open before her, but her thoughts elsewhere, so was not
prepared for him.

She was frightened, but tried to hide it, made an attempt to answer the
first question put to her, but broke down in confusion.

He asked another; she was unable to answer it; and with a frown he said,
"I perceive that you know nothing ab