When they went into the kitchen Mary Frances saw Sauce Pan whisper something to Coffee Pot, but her father didn't notice. He quickly fixed the fire.
"Now, Father," begged Mary Frances, "please let me do it and I'll have everything on the table in no time."
"Ho-ho! little Miss Housekeeper doesn't need any help. Very well!"
"I did need help with the fire, Father," said Mary Frances; "it was a great help, but——"
"All right, Girlie," said Father, "I'll read my paper; you call us when you're ready."
In a very few minutes she did call them, and a fine breakfast it was, too; for Mary Frances knew how so well that not a minute was wasted.
"Ain't she the loveliest cook," whispered Coffee Pot to Sauce Pan, as Mary Frances disappeared through the dining room door with the eggs.