grandson bread and cheese, but he probably would be unable to obtain
the sort of things we have brought. I wish when I make a present to
give something that I myself like."

"I do not understand anything about that," answered Norman, turning
away, and flourishing his stick as he walked up and down.

Old Alec soon appeared, with a basket containing food for himself and
Robby, which he had gone to the village to purchase.

"It does my heart good to see you and your brother," he exclaimed, as he
came up.

"Grandfather!" cried Robby, "they have brought me all sorts of nice
things--look here, look here!" and Robby led the old man into the
cottage that he might exhibit the gifts he had received. "They would
not come in themselves, but said they would wait till you returned. I
think the young gentleman would like some of the fruit, for he looked at
it when his sister gave it to me. Can I run out and offer it to him?
Perhaps, though, he will be offended, for he looks very proud."

"Yes, Robby, go and give the young gentleman some fruit," said old Alec,
who was at the time turning his eyes towards several cages which hung
against the wall, with birds in most of them.

He first looked at one, and then at another and another. At last he
selected one neater and prettier than the rest, containing a linnet.

"This will be the thing for the little damsel," he observed. "If it was
made of gold it would not be too good for her."

Fanny and Norman had still remained outside seated on a bench in the
shade. They did not observe Robby, who came back with some of the
fruit, intending to bring it to them, but feeling somewhat shy of
presenting it, he placed it in the carriage, where he thought they would
soon see it.

The old man, going to a window which overlooked the spot where they were
seated, called to Fanny.

"Here, my dear young lady; an old man such as I am has but few things
which you would care for, but I shall be greatly pleased if you will
accept this little bird and its cage. Hang it up in your room where it
can enjoy sunlight and air, and if you feed it and give it water
regularly, it will sing sweetly to you in the morning and at all times
of the day."

"Oh, thank you! thank you! what a dear, sweet, little bird! There is
nothing I shall like to have so much, and I hope mamma and granny will
allow me to receive it."

Fanny was so delighted with the gift, that she felt she could not find
words enough to t