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children's prayers as well as those of grown people.
She thanked Robby and old Alec very much for coming to inquire for her
brother, and asked them to come into the house as she was sure her papa
and the laird and Mrs Maclean would like to see them. Her mamma was
lying down to rest, and her granny was with Norman she knew, or they
would like to see them too. Old Alec, however, declined, saying that he
only came to ask after the young master, and that he must be back to
attend to his cattle and sheep.
He was going away, when the laird caught sight of him, and insisted on
his coming in with Robby. Mrs Maclean loaded Robby with all sorts of
things, and Captain Vallery wished to show his gratitude in some
substantial way to old Alec and his little grandson, for saving Norman's
life.
Alec persisted that neither he nor the child wished for any reward for
doing what was simply their duty.
"That is no reason why I should not show my gratitude, and I will
consult with the laird how I can best do so," answered the captain.
For many days Norman remained very ill, and every day old Alec and the
little boy came to inquire for him.
"Robby will not rest till he has heard how the young master is going
on," said his grandfather, "and though I tell him he cannot help him to
get well, still he says he must come to ask how he is doing."
Fanny spent every moment that she was allowed to do so in her brother's
room.
At length the doctor said that the complaint had taken a favourable
turn, and that Norman would soon get well. He looked, however, very
pale and thin, and very unlike the strong ruddy boy he had before
appeared. Fanny was now allowed to be frequently with him. Their poor
mamma, from her constant watching by his bedside, was herself made ill,
and even granny required rest and fresh air.
What an active attentive little nurse did Fanny make, and how pleasantly
and gently she talked to Norman, telling him all sorts of things which
she could think of, to interest him. She daily brought him his meals;
he said that he would rather take them from her than from any one else,
as the tea and broth and pudding always tasted nicer when she gave them
to him.
She had not liked to talk of Robby and Alec for fear of reminding him of
Pecksy. One day when she brought him a cup of broth, and he was sitting
propped up with pillows, he threw his arms round her neck.
"You dear, kind sister," he said, "how good you are
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