Without "with your leave," or "by your leave," the small girl pushed past Rachel before the astonished woman could stop her, and presented herself before the no less astonished Aaron Cohen. Her comprehensive glance took in the lighted candles, the cheerful fire, and the master of the house in one comprehensive flash. With some persons what is known as making up one's mind is a slow and complicated process; with the small girl it was electrical. She deposited the large baby in Aaron's lap, admonishing the infant to "keep quiet, or she'd ketch it," blew out the candles in two swift puffs, and kneeling before the grate, proceeded to rake out the fire. So rapid were her movements that the fender was half filled with cinders and blazing coals before Rachel had time to reach the room. "In Heaven's name," cried Aaron, "what is the meaning of this?" "It's all right, sir," said the small girl; "I've come for aunty." "Put down the poker instantly," exclaimed Aaron; "your aunty, whoever she may be, is not here." "Tell me somethink I don't know," requested the small girl. "This is Mr. Cohen's, the Jew, aint it?" "It is," replied Aaron, with despairing gestures, for the baby was dabbing his face with hands sticky with crumbs of sugar stuff. "Well, wot are yer 'ollerin for? I'm only doing wot aunty told me." "And who is your aunty?" "Mrs. 'Orkins. Pretend not to know 'er--do! She sed you'd try to do 'er out of 'er money, and want 'er to take fippence instid of tenpence." "Did she? You have come here by her orders, I suppose?" "Yes, I 'ave--to poke out the fire and blow out the candles--and I've done it." "You have," said Aaron ruefully. "And now, little girl, you will do as I tell you. Put down that poker. Get up. Feel on the mantelshelf for a box of matches. I beg your pardon; you are too short to reach. Here is the box. Take out a match. Strike it. Light the candles. Thank you! Last, but not least, relieve me of this baby with the sticky hands." The small girl snatched the baby from his arms, and stood before him in an attitude of defiance. For the first time he had a clear view of her. "Heaven save us!" he cried, falling back in his chair.