They were playing croquet on the lawn, and espying Lulu at the gate,
invited her to come in and join them.
She did so, became much interested in the sport, and forgot to go home
until the lengthening shadows warned her that it must be very near the tea
hour at Ion.
She then bade a hasty good-by and retraced her steps with great expedition
and in no tranquil state of mind. In truth, she was a good deal alarmed as
she thought of the possible consequences to herself of her bold disregard
of rules.
She arrived at Ion heated and out of breach, and, as a glance at the hall
clock told her, fully fifteen minutes late.
Hair and dress were in some disorder, but not thinking of that, in her
haste and perturbation, she went directly to the supper-room, where the
family were in the midst of their meal.
They all seemed busily engaged with it or in conversation, and she hoped
to slip unobserved into her seat.
But to her consternation she perceived, as she drew near, that neither
plate nor chair seemed to have been set for her; every place was
occupied.
At the same instant Mr. Dinsmore, turning a stern look upon her, remarked,
"We have no place here for the rebellious and insubordinate, therefore I
have ordered your plate removed; and while you continue to belong to that
class, you will take your meals in your own room.
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