Connie and Minnie have had measles.

Billy had a fall from his horse and sprained his ankle badly, but he's all right again now." "And Jake ?" "Spends most of his time with the Johnson girls." "Who are they?
I never heard of them." "They came after you left." "To which farm ?" "Oh, not very far away, I believe!" "I wonder Pamela didn't tell me all that in her letter.

Which farm can it possibly be?
Surely not Heathlands ?" "I believe that was the name." "Then have the Marstons gone ?" "Yes, to the North Island." "Oh! I'm very sorry.

Why didn't they write to me?
Did you hear any other news, please ?" "Pamela told me something about your home." A shadow crossed Rona's face.
"Is it--is it Mrs.Barker ?" she asked nervously.
"Yes, it's about her." "What has she been doing ?" "Getting married again." "Oh! Oh! Who would have her ?" "Your father." "No!" shrieked Rona, her eyes ablaze.

"It can't be! That dreadful, drinking woman! Oh, I can't--I won't believe it!" "She's your stepmother now, whether you like it or not." "Daddy! Daddy! It can't be! How could you?
You knew she drank!" "He's drinking himself--like a fish." "No! My daddy ?" Rona, a moment ago furious, had turned white as a ghost.