"Don't be teasing us by your questions, you stupid little fellow," said Norman hastily, "I wonder you are not ashamed of your impudence." Poor little Robby looked much abashed at this rebuke. "I only asked after the young lady's bird," he said. "Hold your tongue, you little monkey," cried Norman, giving him a kick, "that's just what I don't choose you should talk about." "Norman you should not treat Robby so," said Fanny becoming indignant. "I am sorry to say, Robby, that the little birdie is dead. We did not behave as kindly to it as you would have done." "Oh dear! oh dear! how did it die?" asked Robby. "Hold your tongue, I say," cried Norman giving him another kick, which made Robby cry. This attracted the attention of Mrs Vallery who was seated in front with her husband. "What is the matter, children?" she asked, looking round. "Nothing at all, mamma, only the stupid child chooses to cry," answered Norman. "Keep quiet you tiresome little brat." "Oh, mamma, will you take Norman in front with you? He has hurt Robby," said Fanny. "I won't go," answered Norman, "I like to stay where I am. You may take the brat with you if you like, mamma." "There is scarcely room for any one," said Mrs Vallery. "And I must beg you children to be quiet. Fanny, you can keep them from quarrelling, I should hope." Poor Fanny would willingly have done so, for Norman was doing his best to spoil the pleasure of her drive. She took Robby to sit beside her, where Norman could not reach him without kicking her. He having vented his anger, now remained quiet, only occasionally giving an angry look at the poor little orphan. Soon having crossed the level heath, they entered a narrow glen between the mountains, which rose up on either side of them, here and there covered with wood; in other places the cliffs were almost perpendicular, while a stream rushed foaming and sparkling over its rocky sides close to the road. As they advanced, the scenery became more wild and picturesque. Fanny admired it much, for she had never been in so romantic a country. Now they went up the steep side of a hill, from the top of which could be seen range beyond range of mountains, with deep valleys, patches of forest, wild rocks, and a narrow sheet of water which shone in the bright sunlight, while here and there could be distinguished a thin silvery line descending from a mountain height, and winding along at the bottom of a valley. "We are not far from Glen Corpach," shouted the laird, "and I see some of our friends are making their way towards it." He pointed to some patches which Fanny thought looked like ants, with a black beetle in front of them, winding down the mountain.