CHAPTER VII.
NIHIL est aliud magnum quam multa minuta.*--VETUS.

AUCTOR.
* "There is nothing so great as the collection of the minute." AN anxious event disturbed the smooth current of cheerful life at Merton Rectory.

One morning when Evelyn came down, she missed little Sophy, who had contrived to establish for herself the undisputed privilege of a stool beside Miss Cameron at breakfast.

Mrs.Merton appeared with a graver face than usual.

Sophy was unwell, was feverish; the scarlet fever had been in the neighbourhood.