She watched for an opportunity while her papa was out of his room, and placed the fresh bouquet on his mantelpiece. The day passed away without any other adventure, and as Norman having slept but little on board the steamer was very tired, Mrs Vallery carried him up to bed at an early hour. "Now, my dear child, kneel down and say your prayers," she said when she had undressed him. "No, I won't!" answered Norman, "I am too tired, I want to go to sleep." His mamma knew that it would be useless to argue with him, so with a sigh she placed him in his bed, and kneeling down, prayed that God would change him, for her love did not prevent her from seeing that his present heart was hard and bad, and that none of the qualities she desired him to possess could spring out of it. She sat by his bedside till he was asleep, and then went back to Mrs Leslie. Sweet Fanny felt sadly hurt and disappointed at the behaviour of her young brother, whom she had naturally expected to find as loving, and gentle, and ready to be pleased as she was. She consoled herself, however, with the thought that he was tired and out of sorts after his long journey, and hoped that the next day he would become more amiable and more like what she had fancied him to be. Sleep soon visited her eyelids and as she was a brisk active little girl, she was awake betimes. She had said her prayers and read a chapter in the Bible, which she did every morning to herself, and was waiting for Susan to assist her in putting on her frock when her mamma came into her room. "My dear Fanny, I shall be so much obliged to you if you will assist Norman to dress; I am afraid that I shall be late for breakfast if I attempt to do so, as he is apt to dawdle over the business when I go to him," said Mrs Vallery, giving her a kiss and admiring her fresh and blooming countenance. "He has been awake for some time, and as he does not know how to amuse himself he may perhaps be doing some mischief," she continued. "He misses his ayah, his native nurse, who declined accompanying us farther than Alexandria, so you must be prepared to find him a little troublesome, but I hope he will improve." "Oh, I shall be delighted, mamma, to help Norman, and I daresay I shall have nothing to complain of," answered Fanny, and without waiting to put on her frock she accompanied her mamma to the door of Norman's room. "You will be a good boy, and let Fanny help you dress, my dear," said Mrs Vallery, putting in her head. Fanny entered as her mamma withdrew, and having kissed Norman, arranged his clothes in readiness to put them on. She then poured out some water for him to wash his face. "Shall I help you?" she asked, getting a towel ready.