Fanny could scarcely restrain her grief to see him thus.
The doctor came back as early as he could, after visiting a patient some miles off. Fanny anxiously waited to hear his report.
“The little fellow may do well, but the fever is not yet at its height, and we shall be able to judge better to-morrow,” he said.
“Oh, how dreadful it will be to have to wait all that time,” thought Fanny.
She was sent out of the room several times by her mamma, as she could do nothing, and as often stole back again, only feeling at rest when seated by her young brother’s bedside.
At last Norman appeared to drop off to sleep, and her granny, who had taken her mamma’s place, whispered that she must go out and enjoy some fresh air.
Just as she descended the steps, she saw old Alec and little Robby coming towards the house. Robby darted forward to meet her.
“O Mistress Fanny, how is the young gentleman?” he asked in an eager tone.
“My brother is very, very ill,” answered Fanny, unable to restrain her tears.
Robby looked very sad, but his countenance brightened up in a little time as he said—