Timmy was the only one in high spirits. The others felt really down in the dumps. Oh dear — what was to be done? Where could they go? What a horrid beginning to a holiday! Down, Timmy, DOWN! What a dog! Anyone would think he had never even heard of scarlet fever! WILL you get down, Timmy!

Chapter Two

Plans for the Five

George was still looking upset. What with her fears that Timmy might be ill or hurt, and now her distress at Joan being carried off in the ambulance, she wasn’t much help to anyone.

“Do stop sniffing, George,” said Anne. “We’ve just got to be sensible and think of some way out of this.”

“I’m going to find Mother,” said George. ‘I don’t care if she’s in quarantine or not.’

“Oh no you’re not,” said Julian, taking her firmly by the arm. “You jolly well know what quarantine means. When you had whooping-cough you weren’t allowed to come near any of us, in case we caught it too. You were infectious, and that meant that you didn’t have close contact with anybody for at least a few weeks. I think it’s only two weeks for scarlet fever, so it won’t be too bad.”

George went on sniffing, trying to pull away from Julian’s hand. Julian winked at Dick, and said something that made George pull herself together at once.

“Well, REALLY, George!” he said. “You’re acting just like a weepy girl. Poor Georgina! Poor little old Georgina!”

George stopped sniffing immediately and glared at Julian in fury. If there was one thing she really hated it was to be told she was acting like a silly girl! And how awful to be called by her real name, Georgina! She gave Julian a hefty punch, and he grinned at her, warding her off.

“That’s better,” he said. “Cheer up! Just look at Timmy staring at you in amazement. He’s hardly ever heard you crying before.”

“I’m NOT crying!” said George. “I’m — well, I’m upset about Joan. And it’s awful to have nowhere to go.”

“I can hear Aunt Fanny telephoning,” said Anne, who had very sharp ears. She fondled Timmy’s head, and he licked her hand. He had already given everyone a wonderful welcome, whining with pleasure, and licking lavishly. He had been mad with joy to see George again, and was surprised and sad to find her looking so miserable now. Dear Timmy — he certainly belonged to the Five!

“Let’s sit down and wait for Aunt Fanny,” said Julian, settling himself on the grass. “We look a bit silly standing staring at Kirrin Cottage like this. Aunt Fanny will come to the window in a minute. She is sure to have thought of a good idea for us. TIMMY! I shan’t stay sitting down for long if you keep licking my neck like that. I shall send you for a towel in a minute, so that I can wipe it dry!”

The little joke made everyone feel better. They were all sitting on the grass now, and Timmy went lovingly from one to the other. All his family back again — it was too good to be true! He settled down at last, his head on George’s knee, George’s hand caressing his ears.