o bed, but he tossed and tumbled and cried out for a
drink ever so many times, and in the morning was red with a fever and
some sort of eruption. So they sent for Dr. Baker, who pronounced it a
fine case of measles.

"I don't see where he caught it, unless it is in the school, and I
suppose the twins will have it," said Mrs. Borden in despair.

There were three pretty bad days and Jack tried the patience of the
whole household sorely. Then the babies showed symptoms and seemed
vexed that such a thing should happen to them, and now school was not
to be thought of in some time.

"Run out and take a little airing, Marilla," said Mrs. Borden, late
one afternoon. "You haven't been out of the house for days."

She was very glad to go. Jack was still a recluse though he seemed
well.

Which way should she go? Her heart cried softly for Loraine place and
almost unconsciously her feet turned thitherward. Miss Armitage sat by
the window but she sprang up and opened the hall door with, "My dear,
dear child!"

Marilla had her face in a transport of happy crying, from an
overweighted heart.

"Oh, my dear!" leading her in.

"Oh, Miss Armitage, we have the measles round at our house. Perhaps I
oughtn't come in."

"Oh, I had the measles long ago, and I've seen three cases this
afternoon. I've only been home four days and had the most splendid
time. But I want to hear about you--have you been well, and was it
nice at the seaside? Why it seems like a year since we parted."

"Yes, I was well and the babies walk and talk and are real cunning and
they do grow prettier. They're getting some real nice hair but I can't
make it curl. I didn't like the house so well and there was no bath
only a cold water faucet and a gas stove, and I missed Bridget so
much. We staid out of doors most of the time. I didn't go in
bathing--I was a little afraid, I think, and I would have had to go
with some of the servants. There were a good many of them--we took our
meals outside. I was glad to get home, and oh, so glad to see you!"

She caught the hand and kissed it rapturously. Miss Armitage held up
the face with her hand under the chin.

"No, you haven't gained any."

"I think I did at first, but Jack was so troublesome, and the old
lady, Aunt Hetty, wants one to read her to sleep and sometimes it
takes so long."

"You surely are not helping with her?"

"Oh, only reading and answering her bell. She's somehow so nice when
you wait on her. I