something is the matter with Ben--he says he feels funny."

"Something the matter with Ben!" repeated Polly. She dropped the
cup she held, which broke in a dozen pieces.

"Oh, whocky!" cried Joel; "see what you've done, Polly Pepper!"

But Polly didn't hear; over the big, flat door-stone she sped, and
met Ben with little David, coming in the gate. His face was just
like Phronsie's! And with a cold, heavy feeling at her heart, Polly
realized that this was no play.

"Oh, Ben!" she cried, ffinging her arms around his neck, and
bursting into tears; "don't! please--I wish you wouldn't; Phronsie's
got 'em, and that's enough!"

"Got what?" asked Ben, while Davie's eyes grew to their widest
proportions.

"Oh, measles!" cried Polly, bursting out afresh; "the hate-fullest,
horridest measles! and now you're taken!"

"Oh no, I'm not," responded Ben, cheerfully, who knew what
measles were; "wipe up, Polly; I'm all right; only my head aches,
and my eyes feel funny."

But Polly, only half-reassured, controlled her sobs; and the
sorrowful trio repaired to mother.

"Oh, dear!" ejaculated Mrs. Pepper, sinking in a chair in dismay, at