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.