CHAPTER XVI.
THE COMPLETED STORY.
"They say there's a case of scarlet fever over the other side of the creek," remarked Mr. Everett at dinner, one night about a month after Charlie's unexpected appearance in society.
"Scarlet fever! Oh, dear, where?" asked Louise anxiously.
"You needn't be scared, Lou; people don't catch it at your age," responded Grant, with brotherly impertinence.
"I'm not afraid for myself," she answered seriously. "Where is it, papa? I don't want the boys to get into it."
"It's way up beyond the smelter," replied Mr. Everett lightly. "You don't need to worry, Lou, for it is so far away, and only a light case. The boys would better not go over that way, and then they'll be safe enough. Dr. Hofer has it in charge, so it will probably be all right."
"I suppose so; but I'm always afraid of it," said Louise uneasily. "I hope they'll quarantine them, or something."
"Of course they will," said her father. "No doctor that's half a doctor would let such a matter go unguarded. The board of health wouldn't allow it, either," he added, in a tone of such decision that Louise accepted his belief as final, and thought no more about the matter.