"Bar-bar-a?" drawled the boy. Then following a pause, during which the trio exchanged glances, "A little girl, she comes here?"
"Yes, Ikey; yes.—Have you boys dusted the drawing-room? You know
Dora's not here today."
"No, sir." Peter and Henry backed dutifully toward the door of the
Rectory.
But Ikey stood his ground. "Does de little girl come by de basket?" he inquired.
"No, son; no. Dora will bring her.—Now run along like a good chap."
Ikey backed a few steps. "Does—does she come to de Orphanage?" he persisted.
"No. She's not an orphan.—You see that Peter and Henry put everything in shape, won't you?"
At this, Peter and Henry disappeared promptly. But Ikey only backed another step or two. "Den she's got a mutter?" he ventured.
"Oh, yes—yes.—Be sure and dust the library."
Ikey gave way another foot. "Und also a fader?"