“They’re tame,” said Dudley, delightedly; “old Principle has had them, taming them for over a month.  Their names are Nibble and Dibble.  Look!  This is Dibble with the little black spot on his nose.  You never guessed, did you?  I’ve been down to see them lots of times and they’ll eat food out of my hand.  You just see!”

Roy was too excited over his mice to eat much breakfast, and when Rob came up to him immediately afterward with a new cricket ball, bought out of his small wages, he declared he was the “luckiest fellow in the world.”

Miss Bertram presented him with a handsome writing case, and every one of the servants had some trifle to offer him.  At ten o’clock he went to his grandmother’s room.

This was also part of the programme.

Mrs. Bertram received him very impressively, as was her wont.

“Sit down, Fitz Roy; you are getting a big boy; have you been measured this morning?”

“Yes, granny, and I really have grown an inch and a half since last year.  That isn’t very bad, is it?”

“Your father was very much taller at your age.  I cannot understand it.”

Roy began to feel rather depressed.  “General Newton will be here soon, I suppose,” continued Mrs. Bertram, precisely, “and I wish you to convey him a message from me.  Give him my very kind regards, and ask him to excuse me from coming down to see him this morning.  I have had a very bad night, and am not feeling fit for any extra fatigue.  I hope he will find you improved in manners and appearance.  I could wish you talked and laughed less and thought more.  You must endeavor to realize your responsibilities when you visit Norrington Court this afternoon.  It is a very large and important property for a little boy like you to be heir to, and I hope you will fill the position worthily when you come of age.  Your uncle was the most respected and honored man in the county, and if your dear father had lived to come back from Canada, he would have walked in your uncle’s steps.”

“And who will walk in mine when I’m dead, granny?”

“My dear, you must learn not to interrupt grown-up people when they are speaking.”

“I’m very sorry, but do tell me if I died before I grew up, would Dudley have my house?”

“Yes, by the terms of the will he would, as his father came next in age to yours.”

“That is what Aunt Judy means, when she calls me Jonathan and says when I brag, that I must remember my namesake never came to the throne at all.  I like to think that Dudley may have it, he would make a grander master than me, wouldn’t he?”

Mrs. Bertram gave a little sigh.  Roy’s delicacy was a sore point with her, and she could never get reconciled to his small stature.

“Well,” said Roy, after a pause; “I’ll do my very best, granny, to grow up a big strong man.  I take my tonics now whenever nurse gives them to me, and I never pour them out of the window as I used to do.  And I’m hoping to do something great before I die, and I’m trying to grow up a good man.  Do you think that will do?” he added, a little anxiously, as he fancied his grandmother’s gaze rested on him with some dissatisfaction.