are not quite punctual, as you will not have a timepiece with you."

"Thank you, sir," she said, obeying with alacrity.

She came in again presently, with cheeks glowing and eyes sparkling, not
a cloud on her brow.

"Ah! I see you feel better," her father remarked, smiling kindly upon
her; "and I have finished my letter, so have time to talk with you. Max
and Gracie, you may take your turn at a run in the fresh air now."

Donning their outdoor garments, while Lulu took hers off, and put them
in their proper place, they hurried away.

"Bring your slate and book here, daughter," was the next order, in the
kindest of tones, "and let me see what was troubling you so."

"It's these vulgar fractions, papa," she said, giving herself an
impatient shake. "I don't wonder they call them vulgar, for they're so
hateful! I can't understand the rule, and I can't get the examples
right. I wish you wouldn't make me learn them."

"Daughter, daughter!" he said, in grave, reproving accents, "don't give
way to an impatient temper. It will only make matters worse."

"But, papa," she said, bringing the book and slate as directed, "won't
you please let me skip these vulgar fractions?"

"I thought," he said, "that my Lulu was a brave, persevering little
girl, not ready to be overcome by a slight difficulty."