"But, Father," said Mary Frances, "he was a lovely gentleman! I feel quite sure he was going to tell me a beautiful story about when he was little—maybe a hundred years ago——"
"Mary Frances, listen, child! Never, when you are alone, unlock the door to any man or woman you do not know. Understand?"
"Yes, Father," said Mary Frances; "I didn't mean to be bad."
"No, dear; but it would be very naughty indeed for you to do so again. Do you promise?"
"Yes, Father, said Mary Frances, hiding her face" on his shoulder. "I'll never, never do it again, dear Father."
* * * * * * *
"Humph!" grumbled Aunty Rolling Pin, after they had gone into the library, "I'd have warned her—only I was afraid the tramp gentleman might hear!"
"So would we all of us," cried the rest of the Kitchen People.
