w on it.

Fanny greatly ashamed at his behaviour, again endeavoured to lead him up
to his grandmamma, but he, tearing his hands from hers, kicked out at
her, and ran back to the table.

Just then Mrs Vallery entered the room and affectionately embracing her
mother, drew her attention for a moment away from her grandchild.
Norman took the opportunity of seizing one of the rolls, which he began
stuffing into his mouth. His mother, though she saw him, and felt
somewhat ashamed of his behaviour made no remark, for she knew what the
consequences would be should she interfere.

"I am so much obliged to you, Fanny," she said, "for dressing your
brother. I hope he behaved well."

Fanny would not tell an untruth, but she did not wish to complain of
Norman, so she hung down her head, as if she herself had done something
wrong.

Mrs Leslie suspected that Norman had not behaved well, but she remained
silent on the subject as Mrs Vallery did not repeat the question.

Fanny, having made the tea, rang the bell and the servants, as usual,
came in to prayers. Norman not being interfered with, kept munching
away at the hot roll, and did not relinquish it when his mamma took him
up, and placed him on a chair by her side. All the time Mrs Leslie was
reading the sound of his biting the crisp crust was heard, while he sat
casting a look of defiance at Susan, whose eye he saw was resting on
him.

When they were seated at the table, Mrs Vallery apologised to his
grandmamma for his conduct, observing that he was very hungry, as he was
accustomed to have his breakfast as soon as he was up.

"We must let Susan give it him, then, another morning," observed Mrs
Leslie; "she will, I am sure, be very glad to attend to him in her
room."

"I won't eat anything that woman gives me," growled Norman, looking up
from the roll and pat of fresh butter which his mamma had given him;
"she is a nasty old thing; and if she tries to put on my stockings and
wash my hands again, I will beat her as I did my ayah, and will soon
show her who is master."

"I thought you dressed your brother this morning, Fanny," observed Mrs
Vallery.

"So I did, mamma, but Susan came in to help me, though I hope to-morrow
Norman will let me dress him entirely," answered Fanny, determined if
possible not to speak of her brother's misconduct, and hoping by
loving-kindness to overcome his evil temper.

Mrs Leslie wondered how a child of her gentle daughter's could beha