“I think I would rather see the tricks which the conjuror did when we went to the Egyptian Hall last year with granny,” said Fanny; “I never like to look at people who are doing things by which if they make a mistake they may hurt themselves. I should not like to have seen Blondin, and the other people we read of in the newspapers, who run along tight ropes high up in the air.”
“I should think them very foolish for their pains, and wish them a better mode of gaining their livelihood,” observed Mr Maclean, “and I agree with Fanny. A sailor has to climb the rigging of his ship, but then he goes in the way of duty, and when people mount in balloons, they have generally a scientific object in view, or some reason to offer. But in my opinion, the rest of the world should keep their feet on the earth as long as they can.”
Even Norman, was interested in this conversation, and declared that he recollected the performances of the jugglers which his mamma spoke of. He then described several scenes which he had witnessed in India, in a very clear way.
“You have got a head on your shoulders, young gentleman,” observed the laird; “I only hope you have got your heart in its right place.”
Mrs Leslie sighed, for she was afraid that her little grandson had been so long allowed to have his own way, that though his heart might be in its right place, as the common expression is, it was sadly choked up with the bad seed of weeds, which were already beginning to sprout The next day was rainy, and neither Fanny nor Norman could go out. He behaved himself tolerably well in the drawing-room, but when they were at play together, he ordered her about in his usual dictatorial manner, and said several things which greatly tried her temper.
“Although he is so forward in many things, and talks so well, he is but a little boy after all,” she thought; “it is, however, easy to feel amiable and good when I am not opposed, but I ought to try and be so, notwithstanding all he says and does.”
The following day was bright and fine, and as Sandy could not take them, out in the boat, the laird asked Fanny and Norman whether they would like to make another excursion with the carriage. “Oh yes! I shall like it very much,” exclaimed Norman. “Please cut me another long stick, for Fanny broke the one you gave me the other day.”
Fanny did not say why she broke it, so the laird cut another long thin wand, and gave it to Norman.
“Ah, this will make my horse go on at a good quick pace,” he observed, flourishing it. “I won’t ask you to drag me up the hill, because you can’t,” he said to Fanny, “so if you will pull, I’ll push behind.”
“That is very right of you,” observed the laird, as his young friends set off on their excursion. “He is a fine little fellow, though too much addicted to boasting.”