"I won't!" exclaimed Meta angrily; then catching the look of pained surprise in her mother's face, she ran to her and throwing her arms about her neck, "O mamma! mamma! forgive me!" she cried. "I can't bear to see you look so grieved: I will never say that again; I will do whatever you bid me." Mrs. Carrington kissed her child in silence, then taking her by the hand, "Come and let us have this painful business over," she said, and led the way to Mrs. Travilla's boudoir. Elsie had no reproaches for Meta, but kindly forgave her, and even requested that she might be permitted to share in the morrow's enjoyment, but Mrs. Carrington would not hear of it. Chapter Twenty-eighth. "Mature I'll court in her sequester'd haunts, By mountain, meadow, streamlet grove or cell." --SMOLLET. Mr. Dinsmore was pacing the front veranda, enjoying the cool, fresh morning air, when little feet came pattering through the hall and a sweet child voice hailed him with, "Good morning, my dear grandpa." "Ah, grandpa's little cricket, where were you last evening?" he asked, sitting down and taking her on his knee. It was his pet name for Vi, because she was so merry. The fair face flushed, but putting her arms about his neck, her lips to his ear, "I was in mamma's dressing-room, grandpa," she whispered. "I was 'bliged to stay there, 'cause I'd been naughty and disobeyed mamma." "Ah, I am sorry to hear that I but I hope you don't intend to disobey any more." "No, indeed, grandpa." "Are you considered good enough to go with us to-day?" "Yes, grandpa, mamma says I was punished yesterday, and I don't be punished twice for the same thing." "Mamma is quite right," he said, "and grandpa is very glad she allows you to go." "I don't think I deserve it, grandpa, but she's such a dear, kind mamma." "So she is, pet, and I hope you will always be a dear good daughter to her," said grandpa, holding the little face close to his. Meta was not allowed to come down to breakfast. Vi missed her from the table, and at prayers, and going up to Mrs. Carrington, asked, "Is Meta sick, Aunt Sophie?" "No, dear, but she has been too naughty to be with us. I have said she must stay in her own room all day." "And not go to the picnic? Oh please let her go, auntie!" The other children joined their entreaties to Vi's, but without avail; and with streaming eyes Meta, at her window, saw the embarkation, and watched the boats glide away till lost to view in the distance. "Too bad!" she sobbed, "it's too, too bad that I must stay here and learn long hard lessons while all the rest are having such a good time!" Then she thought remorsefully of her mother's sad look, as she bade her good-bye and said how sorry she was to be obliged to leave her behind, and as some atonement set to work diligently at her tasks.