He hastily swung open the wire door and stepped on to the piazza. He put one arm about the elder woman and one about the younger, and kissed first one and then the other.
"Aunt Tishy," he said, "I reached that door just in time to hear you ask if I couldn't be telegraphed to not to come. No, I can't be."
Mrs. Ffolliott was gazing with delight up at the young man's face. Carolyn stood looking at him demurely.
"Is the scarlet fever here, and are you afraid I'll take it?" he asked.
"Did you hear anything else we said?" she inquired.
"Not a word."
"It has happened so unfortunately," now began the elder lady. "But what are we going to do?"
"Mamma!" exclaimed Carolyn.
The young man began to be puzzled. A line came between his eyes.
"If you really want me to go—" he began.