It died in my lap before she got home," cried Beth with a sob.
"My poor dear, how dreadful for you! I ought to have gone," said Jo, taking her sister in her arms as she sat down in her mother's big chair, with a remorseful face.
"It wasn't dreadful, Jo, only so sad! I saw in a minute it was sicker, but Lottchen said her mother had gone for a doctor, so I took Baby and let Lotty rest.

It seemed asleep, but all of a sudden if gave a little cry and trembled, and then lay very still.

I tried to warm its feet, and Lotty gave it some milk, but it didn't stir, and I knew it was dead." "Don't cry, dear! What did you do ?" "I just sat and held it softly till Mrs.Hummel came with the doctor.
He said it was dead, and looked at Heinrich and Minna, who have sore throats.

'Scarlet fever, ma'am.

Ought to have called me before,' he said crossly.