[a/]
XIX
Shortly after Bob's return in the early spring, George Pollock rode to Auntie Belle's in some disorder to say that the little girl, now about a year old, had been taken sick.
"Jenny has a notion it's something catching," said he, "so she won't let Jim send Mary over. There's too many young-uns in that family to run any risks."
"How does she seem?" called Auntie Belle from the bedroom where she was preparing for departure.
"She's got a fever, and is restless, and won't eat," said George anxiously. "She looks awful sick to me."
"They all do at that age," said Auntie Belle comfortably; "don't you worry a mite."
Nevertheless Auntie Belle did not return that day, nor the next, nor the next. When finally she appeared, it was only to obtain certain supplies and clothes. These she caused to be brought out and laid down where she could get them. She would allow nobody to come near her.
"It's scarlet fever," she said, "and Lord knows where the child got it. But we won't scatter it, so you-all stay away. I'll do what I can. I've been through it enough times, Lord knows."