u write to
your uncle do not write in that spirit--it would shock him greatly, and
he would form a very bad opinion of you."

And so Isobel wrote. She was in the habit of writing once every half
year to her uncle, who had told her that he wished her to do so, and
that people out abroad had great pleasure in letters from England.
Hitherto she had only written about her school life, and this letter
caused her a great deal of trouble.

It answered its purpose. Captain Hannay had no liking either for his
sister in law or his eldest niece, and had, when he was with them, been
struck with the neglect with which the little boy was treated. Isobel
had taken great pains not to say anything that would show she considered
that Robert was harshly treated; but had simply said that she heard
there were schools where little boys like him could be taught, and that
it would be such a great thing for him, as it was very dull for him
having nothing to do all day. But Captain Hannay read through the lines,
and felt that it was a protest against her brother's treatment, and that
she would not have written to him had she not felt that so only would
anything be done for him. Accordingly he wrote home to his sister in
law, saying he thought it was quite time now that the boy should be
placed with some gentleman who took a few lads unfitted for the rough
life of an ordinary school. He should take the charges upon himself, and
had written to his agent in London to find out such an establishment,
to make arrangements for Robert to go there, and to send down one of his
clerks to take charge of him on the journey. He also wrote to Isobel,
telling her what he had done, and blaming himself for not having thought
of it before, winding up by saying: "I have not mentioned to your mother
that I heard from you about it--that is a little secret just as well to
keep to ourselves."

The next five years were much happier to Isobel, for the thought of her
brother at home without her had before been constantly on her mind. It
was a delight to her now to go home and to see the steady improvement
that took place in Robert. He was brighter in every respect, and
expressed himself as most happy where he was.

As years went on he grew into a bright and intelligent boy, though his
health was by no means good, and he looked frail and delicate. He was as
passionately attached to her as ever, and during the holidays they
were never separated; they stood quite alone,