Very little notice was taken of her by any of the family except her brother and sister; she came and went about the house as she pleased,--never venturing into the schoolroom, however,--but when she joined the family circle no one seemed to be aware of her presence; they talked among themselves, but did not address or even look at her.
This treatment was galling to her, and she began to spend almost all of her time in "the boy's work-room," at her favorite employment of fret-sawing.
Max was generally at work there also out of school-hours, but during those hours she had always been alone till one morning Mrs.Leland, happening to want something from a closet in the work-room, came unexpectedly upon her.
It was a surprise to both; for Evelyn had kept her friend's counsel, and no one at Ion had let Elsie or any one else indeed into the secret of Lulu's ill-conduct and consequent disgrace.
"You here, Lu ?" she exclaimed on entering the room.

"I heard you saw as I came up the stairway, and wondered who could be busy here at this hour when the young folks are all supposed to be in the schoolroom.
"What lovely work you are doing!" she went on, drawing near to examine it.

"I presume you have been extremely good and studious, and so have been rewarded with leave of absence at this unusual hour; and you are certainly making good use of your holiday.
"You are wonderfully expert at this for a child of your age.

Perhaps one of these days you will develop into so great a genius as to make us all proud of your acquaintance." Lulu's cheeks burned.
"You are very kind to praise my work so, Aunt Elsie," she said.

"Do you really think this basket is handsome--I mean without making allowance for my age ?" "I certainly do; I think it deserves all I have said of it, if not more.
How pleased your father will be when he hears what a good, industrious, and painstaking little girl he has for his eldest daughter!" Lulu did not speak for a moment.