“I always behave properly,” answered the young gentleman, looking indignant at the idea of his ever doing otherwise.
“Norman will be very good I am sure,” said Fanny, fearing that any difficulty might arise to prevent the intended excursion.
Just as they left the breakfast-room, however, Sandy Fraser came to the door.
“It’s a fine day for the young folks to take a row on the loch, and so I just came up to see if they were willing to go,” he said, as he pulled off his bonnet and wished the laird and ladies good morning.
“Oh, I shall like that much better than bumping over the moor in the little cart,” exclaimed Norman. “Fanny, I am going with Sandy Fraser on the loch, and you can pay your visit to old Alec and his stupid little grandson another day. It will be much better fun to row about on the water, and I will take a rod and line, and I am sure I shall catch I don’t know how many fish in a short time.”
These remarks were not heard by the rest of the party.
“Mamma, do let me go with Sandy Fraser,” exclaimed Norman, as Mrs Vallery appeared from the breakfast-room. “Fanny does not care about the trip over the moor I am sure, and we shall both like a row in the boat much better.”
“In that case, as Sandy has come up for you, I certainly would rather you accompanied him,” said Mrs Vallery, and going to the door without waiting to hear what Fanny had to say on the subject, she told Sandy that the children would soon be ready, if Mr Maclean approved of their going.
“That’s jolly,” cried Norman. “Mr Maclean can you lend me one of your rods? I want to catch some fish for you.”
“You would find it a hard matter even to hold one,” answered the laird, “but I will get a long thin stick cut, which you will be able to manage better than one of my rods. And let me advise you to sit quiet in the boat, and do what Sandy tells you, or you will get into mischief. If you promise me this you may go.”