She was fighting a battle with herself; conscience on the one hand and love of approbation on the other were having a great struggle within her breast.

She valued Mrs.Leland's good opinion and was loath to lose it.
But she was worthy of her father's glad encomium, "However many and serious her faults may be, she is at least honest and truthful," and could not accept praise which she knew was wholly undeserved.
"You mistake, Aunt Elsie," she said with an effort, hanging her head in shame, while her cheek flushed hotly; "I am not here for being good, but for being naughty--missing my lesson and answering Grandpa Dinsmore impertinently when he reproved me for it." "I grieve to hear it, my dear child," Elsie returned in a truly sorrowful tone.

"I had hoped you were getting quite the better of your temper and inclination to defy lawful authority.

But do not be discouraged from trying again to conquer your faults.

Every one of us has an evil nature and many spiritual foes to fight against; yet if we fight manfully, looking to Jesus for help and strength, we shall assuredly gain the victory at last; coming off more than conquerors through Him who loved us and died to save us from sin and death." "You can never think well of me again, Aunt Elsie ?" Lulu said, half in assertion, half inquiringly.
"I certainly hope to, Lulu," was the kind reply "Your honest avowal is greatly to your credit; I see that you are above the meanness of falsehood and taking undeserved praise; that seems to me a very hopeful sign, deeply ungrateful as was your conduct toward my dear, good grandfather, who has been so kind to you and yours.