CHAPTER XVIII.
"For what I will, I will, and there's an end." SHAKESPEAKE.
Max was on the veranda, waiting, like the little gentleman he was, to hand the girls into the carriage.
Hardly were they seated therein and the door closed upon them, when he exclaimed, "Why, what's the matter ?" "Why do you think anything is ?" queried Rosie, with an attempt to laugh.
"Because you all look so excited, and--what's your hand wrapped up for, Lu ?" She removed the handkerchief and held the hand out before him.
"Who did that?
Who dared do such a thing to my sister ?" he asked hotly, his face crimsoning with anger and indignation.
"Never mind who," said Lulu.
"Signor Foresti," said Rosie.

"I hope grandpa will have him fined and imprisoned for it--such a cowardly, savage attack as it was!" "I only wish I was big enough and strong enough to flog him well for it," growled Max, clenching his fists and speaking between his shut teeth.

"If papa were here, I think the cowardly villain wouldn't escape without a sound drubbing." Lulu laughed rather hysterically as she said, "I took the law into my own hands, Max, and punished him pretty well for it, I believe." "You did!" he exclaimed in utter astonishment; "how?
I shouldn't think you had the strength to grapple with him." "I didn't, exactly, but before he knew what was coming I hit him a blow that I think nearly knocked him down;" and she went on to repeat the whole story for Max's benefit.
The occurrence was the theme of conversation all the way home; and on their arrival, Mr.Dinsmore and the ladies being found on the veranda, the case was at once laid before them in all its details.
All were indignant at the treatment Lulu had received, but somewhat shocked, also, at her retaliation.
"You should not have done that," Mr.Dinsmore said reprovingly; "it was by no means lady-like.

I should not have blamed you for at once vacating the piano-stool and walking out of the room; but his punishment should have been left to older and wiser hands." "There's enough more owing him for older and wiser hands to attend to," remarked Lulu; "and I hope it won't be neglected." An amused smile trembled about the corners of Mr.Dinsmore's mouth; but only for an instant.
"Measures shall be taken to prevent a recurrence of the unpleasantness of to-day," he said with becoming gravity.

"I shall myself call upon the signor and warn him to beware of ever repeating it." "He won't repeat it to me, because I shall never take another lesson from him," said Lulu, steadily, looking straight into Mr.Dinsmore's eyes as she spoke.
"The choice is not with you," he answered somewhat sternly; "you are under orders and must do as you are bid.