"I am very sure he thinks the little child a great blessing, and would much rather have it than be without its companionship," observed Mrs Leslie. "From the account you gave of the boy, he is very intelligent and obedient." "Oh yes!" answered Fanny, "he seems to understand what his grandfather wishes him to do, and does it immediately. When he was sent back, before going he sprang up into the old man's arms, and gave him a kiss, and then ran off across the moor singing merrily." "I thought him a stupid little brat," muttered Norman. "When I ran out while you were drying your clothes, Fanny, and told him to draw me about in the carriage, he said that he could not till he had asked his grandfather's leave, as he had to run after one of the cows which was straying further than she ought." "That, instead of showing that he is stupid, proves that he is sensible and obedient, and I wish that another little boy I know of, was equally sensible and obedient," observed Mrs Leslie, looking at Norman. Norman tried to appear unconcerned, but he knew very well that his grandmamma alluded to him. "I will make him do what I want, the next time I go there," said Norman, but he took care that Mrs Leslie should not hear him. The account which Fanny had heard, made her eager to set off that morning to visit the old sailor and his grandchild. "May we have the carriage, Mr Maclean?" she asked. "I should so like to take little Robby some toys, or picture-books, or fruit, or something that he would like it would make him happy, and, I hope, please the old man." "We shall be very glad to give you some things to take," said Mrs Maclean, "and though I do not think we have any toys, we may find some picture-books, at all events we can send some fruit and cakes which will be welcome." "Oh, thank you, thank you," exclaimed Fanny, "if we go as soon as we have had our reading, we shall be back by luncheon-time, and now I think I know the way too well to run the risk of losing it." "You must take care not to tumble into the water again though," said Mrs Vallery. "I will take care not to do that, mamma; indeed, there is no risk of it, as old Alec showed us a safe way across the stream, and I can easily carry Norman over, so that there will be no chance either of his tumbling in, if he does not kick about while I have him in my arms." "Will you behave properly, and do as your sister tells you?" asked Mrs Vallery, turning to Norman. "I always behave properly," answered the young gentleman, looking indignant at the idea of his ever doing otherwise. "Norman will be very good I am sure," said Fanny, fearing that any difficulty might arise to prevent the intended excursion. Just as they left the breakfast-room, however, Sandy Fraser came to the door. "It's a fine day for the young folks to take a row on the loch, and so I just came up to see if they were willing to go," he said, as he pulled off his bonnet and wished the laird and ladies good morning.