"What can be the matter, and Matty always looked so fresh and hearty?
Do you think she has gone and taken anything, Mrs.Bell?
Some people prophesy that we are to have an epidemic of small-pox.

It can't be that, surely?
Taken so sudden too, for she was about yesterday." "Small-pox!" retorted Mrs.Bell, with withering scorn.

"As if a child of mine who had her vaccination beautifully would have small-pox! No, no, it's heart-blight, neighbor, it's heart-blight, and I doubt if my girl will ever get over it." "Eh, ah--you don't say so," the neighbor would instantly retort.

Now the listener was full of intense curiosity, and longing to learn everything.
Matty Bell ill with a heart affair! No wonder her mother looked troubled.

Ah, men were deceivers ever! And who had dared to trifle with her young affections?
Then Mrs.Bell would sigh deeply, and lower her voice, and point in the direction of the Manor.