“Then it is time we should leave the table and carry you along with us, young gentleman,” exclaimed Mrs Maclean, rising.
Norman was now thoroughly out of temper, and in contempt of his granny, who sat opposite to him, he seized another cake, which he crammed into his mouth. His grandmamma again shook her head at him, and then rising, came round to take him from his chair.
“Wish Mr Maclean good-night, and go and kiss your papa,” she said, “for it is time for you to go to bed, I am sure.”
Norman did not wish to leave the table as long as he could get anything on it, and obstinately kept his seat.
Fanny felt very much vexed at seeing him behave in this way, and hurried up to assist her granny, not supposing for a moment that he would still refuse to go.
He held on to the table, and she had some difficulty in dragging him away. Forgetting all her loving-kindness in the morning, as she attempted to pull him away, he struck out at her with his little fists, and hit her a severe blow on the face. She endeavoured not to cry out, or to show any one what he had done, for indeed she felt more pain on his account than on her own. The laird, who had gone to open the door, did not see what had occurred.
“Let me go that I may wish papa good-night,” said Norman, tearing himself away from Fanny, and running towards Captain Vallery.
“Good-night, my boy,” said his papa, who also had not observed his ill-behaviour. “When I unpack my portmanteau I hope to find some things for you and Fanny. You shall see them to-morrow morning.”
“Cannot you let me have them to-night? I hope you have got something I like,” said Norman, without any thought of thanking his papa for his kindness.
“I am afraid you must wait till to-morrow,” answered Captain Vallery, not rebuking him. “I have not had time to unpack my portmanteau, so you must have patience.”