The Grey Brethren(13)

 'Luvly Miss'

    NOBODY thought of consequences. There was a lighted paraffin lamp on the table and nothing else handy. Mrs Brown's head presented a tempting¹ mark, and of course Mr Brown's lengthy² stay at 'The Three Fingers' had something to do with it； but nobody thought of Miss Brown, aged³ four, who was playing happily on the floor, unruffled by the storm to which she was so well accustomed.

    Mrs Brown ducked； there was a smash, a scream, and poor little Miss Brown was in a blaze. The shock sobered the father and silenced the mother. Miss Brown was extinguished with the aid of a table- cover, much water, and many neighbours； but she was horribly burnt all over, except her face.