"Of course, granny cares for you very much indeed," said Fanny, who did not like her brother to say that. "And so do others;" and then she told him how day after day old Alec and Robby had come to the house to inquire for him, how grieved Robby had been when he heard that he was ill, and how thankful when he was told that he was recovering. "That little boy!" exclaimed Norman; "why, I always abused him and scolded him, and now I remember I kicked him in the carriage, and called him names when he ran after me. It was he who threw the end of his handkerchief to me, when I fell into the water. Oh yes! and I pulled him in too, when he was trying to help me, and he might have been drowned. He can only hate me, I should think." "Far from hating you, he has forgotten entirely how ill you treated him, and has been as anxious as any one about you," said Fanny. "Oh, I have been a very naughty boy, I will try to be so no more. I know I said that before, but now I will really try to do what I am told, and be kind and gentle to everybody, as granny said I ought to be, and I will pray to God to help me to be so. I before thought that I was going to be good, but I did not pray, I wanted to be good all by myself, and I know that I was very soon as bad as ever." How thankful Fanny felt when she heard Norman say this; again and again she kissed him, and with joy afterwards told her granny and her mamma what he had said. From this time Norman rapidly got better, and was soon able to be dressed and go downstairs. Fanny was delighted to draw him about the grounds in the little cart, and in two or three days the doctor thought that he might take a drive in the pony carriage. "Oh then, let me go and see Robby," he exclaimed. "I want so much to thank him for saving me from being drowned, and for coming to ask about me." CHAPTER TWELVE. RIGHT AT LAST. The first fine day after Norman was allowed to go out, the laird kindly undertook to drive him and Fanny and their mamma and granny over to old Alec's cottage. Robby was much delighted to see the young gentleman. Norman, instead of treating him in the haughty way he had before, allowed himself to be led about by the little fellow, who wanted to show him his pet lamb and birds, and a little arbour, with a seat in it, which his grandfather had made for him. "Robby," said Norman, taking his hand, "I know I was very naughty, and that I treated you very ill, but if you will forgive me and let me be your friend, I shall be very thankful. I do indeed feel ashamed of myself." Fanny, who overheard this was more than ever satisfied that her brother's heart was really changed. Robby thanked Norman, and again told him how glad he was that he had got well, and that he would like to be his friend, and help him, and fight for him if needs be, more than anything else. The children spent a very happy morning, and the drive did Norman much good.