Mrs. March left for Washington at once. A week later, they heard from Mr.Brook that Father was recovering. The news made everyone feel happier. Meg and Jo worked hard at their jobs, Beth and Amy cleaned the house and they shared the cooking.
But, one by one, they slipped back into their old ways, Meg spent hours reading John Brooke’s letters. Jo curled up with her writing and Amy went back to sketching.
Only Beth faithfully carried out their mother’s duties, takeing food to families in the poorer part of town. One afternoon, she was drenched in a downpour of icy winter sleet. When she got home, the fire was out and she couldn’t get warm.
A few days later, Beth started shivering as though she’d never stop. At the same time, she felt boiling hot. Jo found her looking in the medicine cupboard.
“I don’t feel well,” Beth muttered, going to press her burning head against the cold window pane.
Jo felt Beth’s forehead and was horrified. “Beth, you’re feverish. We must get the doctor.”
When the doctor came, he looked serious. “The child has scarlet fever,” he announced and sent her straight to bed.