“Don’t cry, young lady, grandfather and I have been praying that God will take care of Master Norman, and make him well—I am sure He will—so don’t cry, don’t cry.”
Fanny dried her tears, for she had the same hope in her heart, remembering that she, too, had been praying, and she knew that God hears 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.