Our dear father is constantly adding pretty things here and there to our room, and doing oh so much to make his children happy! Yet, would you believe it, Eva?
I am sometimes both ill-tempered and disobedient to him." "Not now! not lately ?" Evelyn said half in assertion, half inquiringly and with a look of surprise.
"Yes," Lulu replied in a low, remorseful tone, her eyes downcast, her face flushing painfully; "only last month, one day Max was teasing me and I was in very bad humor, so answered him very crossly.

Papa happened to be in the next room and overheard it all, and called to us both to come to him.

His voice sounded stern, and I felt angry and rebellious.
Max, never does feel so, I believe, anyway he's always obedient, and he went at once, but I waited to be called a second time, and--O Eva, I'm dreadfully, dreadfully ashamed! but I feel as if I must tell you because I can't bear to have you think me so much better than I am." "Dear Lu, don't tell it if it hurts you so.

I'm sure if you were not a good girl you wouldn't feel so very sorry and ashamed," Evelyn interrupted, putting both arms round her friend and kissing her with warmth of affection.
"No, indeed, I'm not!" said Lulu; "and I'll tell it, if only to punish myself for my badness.

Papa has never punished me for it, though I really did wish he would and asked him to over and over again." "That seems very odd," Eva said, half smiling.