Fanny, as we have seen was a very sweet amiable girl, but, she had a spirit and a temper, though she generally restrained the latter, when inclined to give way to it. She saw at once that the cruel deed, had been done by Norman, and her heart swelling with indignation, she rushed forward, and gave him a box on the ear. She then threw herself down by the side of her doll, and burst into tears. Then picking it up, she endeavoured to fit on the head.
The unexpected blow, from his usually gentle sister, so astonished Norman, that for a moment he ceased his shrieks.
“You naughty, naughty, boy,” I wish papa had whipped you twice as much as he did, and I hope, he may whip you again, she exclaimed, rising, and about to give him another slap, but just then, her eye fell on his bleeding hand, and he recommenced his shrieks and cries. She stopped, looking at him with alarm.
“Oh, what is the matter? oh, what is the matter?” she cried out.
“Send for the doctor, send for the doctor,” shrieked Norman.
“Come with me to Mrs Norton, she will know what to do,” said Fanny, wrapping his hand up in her handkerchief. “Mamma and granny are out, or they would attend to you.”
“No, no, no, I must have a doctor, I shall die, I know I shall,” cried Norman again and again.
Fanny cast a piteous glance at poor Miss Lucy which she had let fall, and though feeling sure that Norman had cut off her head, she was so much alarmed about him, that without stopping to ask him, with her young heart full of sorrow, she led him up to Mrs Norton. She hoped he had done it by accident, or in play, for she would not allow herself to suppose, that he had been prompted by a spirit of envy and jealousy. Believing too, that he was severely injured, she felt sorry she had lost her temper, and struck him.
“Let me look at your finger, young gentleman,” said Mrs Norton, examining his hand. “Is this a cut to make so much fuss about? Go into your room, and a little water and sticking plaster will soon set it all to rights.”
Mrs Norton having bound up Norman’s finger, asked Fanny how it had happened. Fanny, instead of replying, burst into tears.