I fear you do not see the great sinfulness of their indulgence, and that it may be that I am partly to blame for that in having passed too lightly over such exhibitions of them as have come under my notice: in short, that perhaps if I had been more justly severe with your faults you would have been more thoroughly convinced of their heinousness and striven harder and with greater success to conquer them.
"Therefore, after much thought and deliberation, and much prayer for guidance and direction, I have fully decided that I ought to punish you severely for the repeated acts of disobedience you have been guilty of in the last few days, and the constant exhibition of ill-temper.
"It pains me exceedingly to do it, but I must not consider my own feelings where my dear child's best interests are concerned." "Is it because I asked you to do it, papa ?" she inquired.

"I never thought you would when I said it." "No; I have been thinking seriously on the subject ever since you behaved so badly the day of the 'squantum,' and had very nearly decided the question just as I have fully decided it now.

I know you are an honest child, even when the truth is against you; tell me, do you not yourself think that I am right ?" "Yes, sir," she answered, low and tremulously, after a moment's struggle with herself.

"Oh, please do it at once, so it will be over soon!" "I will," he said, rising and leading her into the inner room; "you shall not have the torture of anticipation a moment longer." Though the punishment was severe beyond Lulu's worst anticipations, she bore it without outcry or entreaty, feeling that she richly deserved it, and determined that no one who might be within hearing should learn from any sound she uttered what was going on.

Tears and now and then a half-suppressed sob were the only evidences of suffering that she allowed herself to give.
Her father was astonished at her fortitude, and more than ever convinced that she had in her the elements of a noble character.
The punishment over, he took her in his arms, laying her head against his breast.