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 was n'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 did n't stir , and I knew it was dead . '' `` Do n'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 . Mrs. Hummel told him she was poor , and had tried to cure baby herself , but now it was too late , and she could only ask him to help the others and trust to charity for his pay . He smiled then , and was kinder , but it was very sad , and I cried with them till he turned round all of a sudden , and told me to go home and take belladonna right away , or I 'd have the fever . '' `` No , you wo n't ! '' cried Jo , hugging her close , with a frightened look . `` Oh , Beth , if you should be sick I never could forgive myself ! What shall we do ? '' `` Do n't be frightened , I guess I sha n't have it badly .
I looked in Mother 's book , and saw that it begins with headache , sore throat , and queer feelings like mine , so I did take some belladonna , and I feel better , '' said XXXXX , laying her cold hands on her hot forehead and trying to look well .
Baby Beth Heinrich Hummel Jo Lottchen Lotty Minna minute right