But the candle did not forget. It is the duty of a lighted candle to set fire to anything that is put in its way; and presently, when Edith by a quick movement thrust her skirt right into the flame of the candle, what could you expect but a blaze?
Before Edith could explore the closet floor and take out the sirup pitcher, the blaze was creeping up the back of her frock. She knew nothing about it till the smell of burning woollen reached her nostrils; and at the same instant she felt a dreadful sensation of heat, and knew that she was on fire! She screamed in horror,—
“Mrs. Chick! Mrs. Chick! Fire! Fire!” Oh, how far it was down-stairs! Could Mrs. Chick hear?
But Mrs. Chick was not in the kitchen. Feeling rather uneasy about Edith, she had followed her up-stairs, and was on the upper landing when the child called. She heard the first cry, and came at once to her aid, followed by Jimmy.
I rejoice to say that the flames had not reached Edith’s hair. Mrs. Chick wrapped her in her best rug, which was quite spoiled by the means, to say nothing of the little girl’s pretty red frock; but the dear child herself was unharmed.
VI
JIMMY’S BUTTER
“Don’t cry so, you dear little girl; there is no harm done,” said Mrs. Chick. “Why, Jimmy-boy! I wish you were asleep. Run right back to bed, and don’t be so scared. Sister wasn’t hurt a bit.”
All this while Mrs. Chick, having undressed Edith, was rocking her in her arms like a baby.