Sarah, Kitty, Amanda and Debby, amid the teasing remarks of sundry small boys, obediently took their places as designated by the young artist. Then Blue Bonnet's eyes turned in search of the other two girls.
"Susy! Ruth!" she called. "Why—where are they?"
An embarrassed hush fell on the group about the car. Blue Bonnet looked inquiringly at the telltale faces. It did not take her long to scent a mystery.
"What's the matter?" she cried impatiently.
Doctor Clark stepped forward, clearing his throat queerly. "Fact is, Miss Blue Bonnet," he began, "they—they can't go."
"Can't go?" Blue Bonnet started incredulously at the stammering doctor.
"No, you see,—well, in fact, they're ill," he completed lamely. Why didn't some one help him out, the doctor fumed inwardly, instead of letting him be the one to cloud that beaming face?
Suddenly Kitty leaned down from the car step and whispered: "Scarlet fever!"
"Both?" exclaimed the startled Blue Bonnet.
"No, only Ruth. But Susy was exposed and Father didn't think it safe for her to come."