[The Two Elsies by Martha Finley]@TWC D-Link book
The Two Elsies

CHAPTER XIII
4/11

"I hope grandpa will not consider it necessary to report her conduct to him.

Of course, according to his requirements she should tell him herself, but I presume she will hardly have the courage to refrain from making her behavior appear less reprehensible than it actually was." She questioned with herself whether to speak to Lulu on the subject of her misconduct, but decided not to do so at present, unless something should occur to lead to it naturally.
Her toilet completed, she went down to the parlor, and there found her grandfather alone.
He looked up with a welcoming smile; Violet had always been a particular favorite with him.
"The first down, little cricket," he said, using an old-time pet name, and pausing in his walk (for he was pacing the floor) to gallantly hand her to a seat on a sofa; then placing himself by her side, "How extremely youthful you look, my pet! Who would take you for a matron ?" "To tell you a secret, grandpa," she said, with a merry look, "I feel quite young still when the children are not by; and not always very old even when they are with me.

By the way, how have they behaved themselves today ?" A grave, slightly annoyed look came over his face as she asked the question.
"Max and Gracie as well as any one could desire," he said; "but Lulu--really, Vi, if she were my own child, I should try the virtue of a rod with her." Violet's face reflected the gravity of his, while she gave vent to an audible sigh.
Mr.Dinsmore went on to describe Lulu's behavior on that and several other days, then wound up with the question, "What do you think her father would have me do with her ?" "I suppose he would say send her to a boarding-school; but, grandpa, I am very loath to see that done.

At the same time I cannot bear to have you annoyed with her ill-conduct, and I am thinking of attempting the task of teaching her myself." Mr.Dinsmore shook his head.

"I cannot have you annoyed with her, my little Vi; no more, at least, than you necessarily must be, occupying the relationship that you do.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books