Mary Frances suddenly felt very lonesome.
"But I'll go home to my Kitchen Folks—they'll be good company," she thought.
When she let herself into the house, how big and empty it seemed! She was almost afraid to go in, but she bravely locked the door behind her.
She thought she heard a noise. Surely the curtain moved! Her heart went pit-a-pat! The curtain moved again. Out sprang Jubey, and scampered off into the kitchen.
"Oh, you darling kitten!" she cried, running after her. "How you scared me, Jubey!"
Everything was as neat as a pin. All the Kitchen Folks were in their places, prim, and quiet, and scared, just as Aunt Maria had left them, but when they saw her they brightened up, and smiled a welcome.
"How do you do, Kitchen Folks?" she said.
"How do, little Miss?" merrily sang Tea Kettle.