"
I went directly to the large, cheery kitchen, a favorite haunt of mine
of late. It was always so clean and homely, and cook was usually in a
gracious mood and permitted me to assist in any of her culinary
undertakings when I was so minded.
Among my other enterprises I had an ambition to become a practical
housekeeper in case I might some day be married to a poor man, and have a
family to bake and brew for with my own hands.
When I entered the kitchen I found her more than usually busy, with both
Reynolds and Esmerelda pressed into the service.
"Shall we ever get all your dainties eaten? Won't they spoil on your
hands?"
"I dare say some of them will; but Christmas time we expect a little to
go to waste."
"Don't you give away some?" I asked.
"All that's asked for."
"I am so glad to hear it. I want some ever so much."
"What's up now?" she asked, scarcely with her accustomed deference.
"I want so much to have a little treat for my friends, if you will only
help. It all depends on you."
"Why certainly; it's my place to cook for all the parties you choose to
make. It's not my place to dictate how the victuals is to be used."
"You do not understand me. It is not here that I wish to entertain my
friends. Mr. Winthrop has given his permission, on condition you are
willing." She was greatly mollified at this and responded heartily. "Of
course I'm willing; and, bless me, there's plenty to give a good share to
them that needs it; and I guess it's them you're wanting to give it to.
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