After church, Mr. Martin having paid his compliments all around, and Mrs.
Martin having enquired who was sick, and if any one required her
particular attention, the family returned to the Manse, in the same order
in which they left it. They there found Mr. Armstrong, who had called on
his way from Mr. Scott's. He told them that Marion's complaint had turned
out to be the measles; and that, at present, she was extremely ill; but
that he hoped, in a few hours, there might be a favourable change. Mrs.
Scott had desired him to inform Mrs. Martin of these circumstances, as she
was anxious to know whether Miss Helen and John had had the disorder.

Mrs. Martin immediately became alarmed, for Helen had never had it. Having
been rather a delicate child, she was kept out of the house, with a friend
in Langholm, at the time the disease had affected her brother. She
therefore begged Mr. Armstrong to step up to the bedroom, where Helen was
lying down, as her headache had come on again very violently. Mr.
Armstrong, on seeing her, pronounced that she had undoubtedly caught the
infection, and ordered her to be put to bed. On enquiry about John, they
fortunately found, that he had had the disease; which they were glad of,
as an illness, at present, must have prevented his going to Mr. Laurie's.

The surgeon now took his leave, promising to call next morning at the same
hour; and saying to John, who stood at the door holding his horse. "You
must take another walk, my lad, to Langholm to-night, to bring some
medicine for Miss Helen, for I cannot well manage to send up myself; and
it is of consequence that she should take it in the evening." "I will do
that, Sir, with the greatest pleasure; or any thing else that is in my
power for Miss Helen; but I hope you do not think that either she or poor
Marion Scott is likely to die," endeavouring to conceal the tears that
were trickling down his cheeks; "I am sure I should feel as much, if that