,transcriber's ,note3 ,bold text is surrounded by equal signs and italic text is surrouned by underscores4 ,illustration3 ,cover ,illustration3 ,dedication3 ,a book for all girls who love to help ,mother4 ,jane ,eayre ,fryer ,illustration3 ,mary ,frances took the hint1 and turned ,toaster carefully over4 ,illustration3 ,title ,,the ,,mary ,,frances ,,cook ,,book ,,or ,,adventures ,,among ,,the ,,kitchen ,,people ,by ,,jane ,,eayre ,,fryer ,full page illustrations by ,,margaret ,g4 ,,hays ,other illustrations by ,,jane ,,allen ,,boyer ,copyright1 #aiab1 by ,,jane ,,eayre ,,fryer ,illustration ,,dear ,,girls3 ,this book tells the story of ,mary ,frances1 a little girl whose great ambition was to help her mother4 ,so anxious was she to do this that even the humble ,kitchen ,people became her teachers and instructors4 ,they talked to her1 a thing never heard of before2 helped her over the hard places1 and explained mysterious secrets she could never otherwise have understood4 ,they wove around a simple little book of recipes her mother had made for her the spell of ,fairyland2 they led her through a series of delightful adventures such as never happened to any girl before1 in which she lived for three whole happy weeks1 and out of which she emerged no longer a little girl1 but a real little woman4 ,some very wise people would call this a story book1 some a manual training book1 and others a cookery book1 but ,mary ,frances knows better2 she knows that it is a ,book within a ,book that introduced her to ,aunty ,rolling ,pin and a lot of other dear1 dear friends1 such as no little girl ever had before1 and whom she now wishes to introduce for the first time to all other little girls4 7,i know that she gained their consent to do this because she told me so47 ,in the hope that ,mary ,frances' wish may be realized1 this record of her adventures is sent out to the girls of ,america with the best wishes of ,,the ,,author4 ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,contents ,,chapter ,,page ,i4 ,,the ,,kitchen ,,people #aa ,,ii4 ,,toaster ,,man #ad ,,iii4 ,,mary ,,frances' ,,mother #bd ,,iv4 ,,mary ,,frances ,,warns ,,the ,,kitchen ,,folks #bg ,v4 ,,aunt ,,maria #cj ,,vi4 ,,jacket-,,boiled ,,potatoes #cc ,,vii4 ,,the ,,pot-,,and-,,kettle ,,fight #dj ,,viii4 ,,the ,,potato ,,lunch #df ,,ix4 ,,mary ,,frances ,,gets ,,breakfast #ef ,x4 ,,the ,,breakfast ,,burns ,,up #fe ,,xi4 ,a ,,joke ,,on ,,aunt ,,maria #gj ,,xii4 ,,the ,,tramp #ge ,,xiii4 ,,company ,,to ,,lunch #hc ,,xiv4 ,a ,,patent ,,dish-,,washing #ia ,,xv4 ,,thimble ,,biscuits #id ,,xvi4 ,,the ,,dolls' ,,kitchen ,,party #ajd ,,xvii4 ,,the ,,sick ,,neighbor #aaj ,illustration3 ,,cook ,,book ,,xviii4 ,a ,,man',s ,,lunch #aaf ,,xix4 ,,poor ,,blue ,,pitcher #abg ,,xx4 ,,mary ,,frances ,,gives ,a ,,cooking ,,lesson #aca ,,xxi4 ,,the ,,picnic #ace ,,xxii4 ,,the ,,candy ,,pull #aci ,,xxiii4 ,,getting ,,ready ,,for ,a ,,party #add ,,xxiv4 ,,the ,,tea ,,party #aed ,,xxv4 ,,mary ,,frances ,,gets ,,dinner #aei ,,xxvi4 ,,mother',s ,,surprise4 ,,good-,,bye1 ,,little ,,miss #agc ,illustration ,illustration ,,list ,,of ,,recipes ,,page #a4 ,,plain ,,toast #ae #b4 ,,buttered ,,toast #ai #c4 ,,milk ,,toast #bj #d4 ,,jacket-,,boiled ,,potatoes #ce #e4 ,,baked ,,potatoes #df #f4 ,,boiled ,,potatoes #dg #g4 ,,mashed ,,potatoes #dg #h4 ,,potato ,,soup #di #i4 ,,boiled ,,eggs #fj #aj4 ,,hard-,,boiled ,,eggs #fa #aa4 ,,coffee #fc #ab4 ,,tea #gf #ac4 ,,omelet #gg #ad4 ,,white ,,sauce #hd #ae4 ,,baked ,,apples #hf #af4 ,,thimble ,,biscuits #ig #ag4 ,,baking ,,powder ,,biscuits #ih #ah4 ,,cocoa #ajb #ai4 ,,gingerbread ,,cookies #ajh #bj4 ,,soft ,,custard #aaa ,illustration ,illustration #ba4 ,,steamed ,,rice #aaa #bb4 ,,boiled ,,rice #aab #bc4 ,,poached ,,eggs #aad #bd4 ,,rice ,,pudding #aag #be4 ,,boiled ,,mutton #aah #bf4 ,,sauce ,,for ,,boiled ,,mutton #aai #bg4 ,,apple ,,snow #abg #bh4 ,,stuffed ,,eggs #acf #bi4 ,,pickaninny ,,fudge #ada #cj4 ,,walnut ,,kisses #adb #ca4 ,,sponge ,,cake #ade #cb4 ,,dream ,,cake #aej #cc4 ,,queen ,,of ,,hearts ,,tarts #afj #cd4 ,,pastry #afj #ce4 ,,salad ,,dressing #aff #cf4 ,,creamed ,,new ,,cabbage #afg #cg4 ,,bread ,,pudding #afg #ch4 ,,banana ,,bread ,,pudding #afh #ci4 ,,hard ,,sauce #afh #dj4 ,,pan-,,broiled ,,beefsteak #afi ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration3 ,the ,kitchen ,people ,tea ,kettle ,sauce ,pan ,boiler ,pan ,big ,iron ,pot ,pie ,plate ,tea ,pot ,coffee ,pot ,mantel ,clock ,blue ,pitcher ,auntie ,rolling ,pin ,toaster ,man ,baking ,dish ,potato ,masher ,platter ,ladle ,yellow ,bowl ,measuring ,cup ,frying ,pan ,basket ,perforated ,skimmer ,can ,opener ,round ,square ,cake ,tins ,iron ,griddle ,little ,pitcher ,fork ,knife ,spoon ,,chapter ,i ,,the ,,kitchen ,,people ,,all the ,kitchen ,people were terribly excited4 ,i see my finish6 puffed ,tea ,kettle from his perch on the stove4 ,that's slang6 snapped ,sauce ,pan1 who sat near by4 ,slang or no slang1 said ,tea ,kettle1 ,i'll melt if somebody doesn't come fill me soon4 ,where's the cook8 ,where's the mistress8 asked ,boiler ,pan4 ,why1 the cook's left--left this morning and the mistress's sick4 ,what's that ,i smell burning8 ,that's the potatoes in the oven1 said ,toaster4 ,oh1 my lid6 cried ,tea ,kettle holding his nose4 ,pour on water6 ,quick6 ,whew6 exclaimed ,coffee ,pot4 ,whew6 cried ,pie ,plate4 ,whew6 clanged ,big ,iron ,pot4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 my lid6 ,whew6 mimicked ,sauce ,pan4 ,whew6--,that won't help6 ,if you say ,whew6 to an oven door1 will it open8--,somebody open the door6 ,good idea1 ,saucy6 exclaimed ,tea ,kettle4 ,you might try it yourself6 ,owoooh6 ,o-w-o-o-o-h6 strained little ,sauce ,pan at the heavy door4 ,o-w-o-o-o-h6 ,i can't-t budge it6 ,cauch6 ,cawc6 ,ochee6 he coughed4 ,what smoke6 ,somebody else come try6 ,get out of the way1 then1 said ,big ,iron ,pot1 making heavily toward the stove4 ,knew your arms were too short1 laughed ,tea ,kettle1 seeing ,iron ,pot couldn't reach the knob4 ,well1 they're as long as yours1 said ,iron ,pot angrily4 ,kick it open6 sug-gest-ed ,sauce ,pan4 ,everybody allowed one kick6 ,first go6 exclaimed ,iron ,pot4 ,whack6 came a muffled sound4 ,then1 ,oh1 my poor feet6 ,oh6 ,oh6 ,what's the matter8 asked ,sauce ,pan4 ,nothing1 said ,big ,iron ,pot1 hopping around on one little leg1 and holding the other with his hands4 ,only ,i wish you'd had ',first go6' ,illustration3 ,i wish you'd had ',first go6' ,illustration ,well1 declared ,tea ,kettle1 unless help comes soon1 we may as well give up all hope of rescue4 ,this is dreadful6 ,listen1 then1 ticked ,mantel ,clock1 who didn't mind the smoke4 ,i know a secret3 the dear little girl---- ,oh1 yes1 we know6 cried the ,kitchen ,people4 ,well6 asked ,mantel ,clock1 what do you know8 ,the little girl--that there is a little girl---- ,is that all you know8 demanded ,mantel ,clock4 ,now1 when people interrupt---- ,just dying to tell1 said ,sauce ,pan in a loud whisper4 ,please1 please1 tell us the secret1 begged the ,kitchen ,people4 ,well1 ,mantel ,clock ran on1 the dear little girl that lives in our house is going to learn to cook4 ,what d'you say if we all turn in and help her8 ,goody-goody6 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin laughed so she nearly rolled off the table4 ,just then the kitchen door-knob turned1 and every one of the ,kitchen ,people was as quiet as a ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii ,,toaster ,,man ,,in ran the dearest1 sweetest little girl4 ,oh1 you poor ,tea ,kettle6 she cried4 ,you'll boil to death6 and she pulled it over to the cooler part of the stove4 ,tea ,kettle simmered his thanks4 ,what can be burning8 she asked4 ,what can it be8 and she looked all over the stove4 ,i do believe it's something in the oven6 ,as she pulled open the oven door1 out rolled the burnt potatoes4 ,now1 she said1 now1 for the toast1 and she caught up her mother's apron from a hook1 and tied it just under her arms1 crossing the strings in front4 ,the ,kitchen ,people held their breath to see what would happen next4 ,suddenly she clapped her hands4 ,the very thing6 she cried1 and ran out of the room4 ,in a minute she was back1 with a little book in her hands4 ,illustration3 ,in ran the dearest1 sweetest little girl4 ,illustration3 ,out rolled the burnt potatoes4 ,mother was asleep1 she whispered as though her mother was still in danger of being wakened by any sound--but ,i just tip-toed up to the table1 and got the book she's been making for my cooking lessons4 ,this must be it--it's ,mother's writing3 ',the ,mary ,frances' ,first ,cook ,book4' ,i believe--,i just believe it tells about toast4 ,yes1 here it is1 right on the first page3 ,,no4 #a4--,,plain ,,toast4 #a4 ,cut stale bread into slices1 about #a_/b inch thick4 #b4 ,remove crusts4 #c4 ,put into wire toaster4 #d4 ,hold over a fire1 moving to and fro until a golden brown color4 #e4 ,turn1 and brown the other side4 ,let's see if there is any stale bread4 ,i should think so6 a whole loaf6 ,now1 ,i'll cut two slices1 and since ,i want it to be very nice1 ,i'll cut off the crusts4 ,i guess that will be enough2 oh1 how ,i wish somebody was here to help me4 ,there is somebody--,i'll help6 ,illustration3 ,with a little book in her hands ,illustration3 ,there is somebody--,i'll help6 ,mary ,frances looked round in amazement4 ,seeing no one1 ,why1--where8 ,why1--who are you8 she asked4 ,i'm ,tea ,kettle1 ,miss1 said ,tea ,kettle1 lifting his lid very politely4 ,i'm gladly at your service1 if you please4 ,and ,i6 ,it was ,sauce ,pan4 ,and ,i6 cried ,boiler ,pan4 ,mary ,frances could scarcely believe her ears4 ,my1 she said1 can you all talk8 and will you help me8 ,isn't that grand6--,but how you did s'prise me6 ,won't we have a lovely time6 ,look at the fire6 ,look at the fire6 ,what a tiny voice6 thought the little girl1--but she quickly took the lids off the stove4 ,some very bright coals stared up at her4 ,the fire is fine1 she said aloud1 and she looked all about to find where the voice came from1 but she saw no one4 ,look down1 please6 said the same tiny voice1 this time very distinctly4 ,there stood the funniest little wire man1 no higher than the little girl's elbow4 ,illustration3 ,and ,i6 ,illustration3 ,and ,i6 ,you didn't see me1 laughed the little man1 but ,i know how to make toast4 ,of course6 said the little girl1 you're--why1 you're the ,toaster6 ,yes1 ma'am1 said the little man1 with a bow1 at your service1 ,miss ,mary ,frances4 ,try me1 and see what ,i can do1 went on ,toaster ,man4 ,just put a slice of that bread into my head1 and hold me over the fire4 ,mary ,frances leaned over and gravely put a slice of bread in ,toaster4 ,he looked so funny standing there that she wanted to smile1 but thought it wouldn't be exactly polite to so helpful a friend4 ,but when he said1 ,slide up my collar1 in a thick1 smothery sort of voice1 she laughed aloud before she could stop1 but turned the sound into a cough so quickly that ,toaster ,man looked up at her queerly only a moment2 and she pulled the ring up until it held the bread tightly in place4 ,now1 lift me up over the fire6 he demanded4 ,mary ,frances hesitated--she couldn't tell where to take hold of him4 ,illustration3 ,you didn't see me ,illustration3 ,slide up my collar4 ,never mind my legs1 he said1 as though he read her thoughts1 ,i'll see to them1 and he folded them up so close that when ,mary ,frances lifted him up1 she could find no sign of them4 ,oh1 you'll be burnt6 she cried1 as she held what ,toaster ,man had called his head over the bright fire4 ,not ,i1 he laughed1 not ,i4 ,i like it4 ,it's the toast that'll be burnt1 if ,i'm not turned over soon4 ,mary ,frances took the hint1 and turned ,toaster carefully over4 ,not too close to the coals at first1 ,little ,miss1 said the little fellow4 ,now1--closer6 ,that's it6 ,how is it8 he asked1 as ,mary ,frances took him from the fire4 ,what a beautiful piece of toast6 she cried4 ,grand-if-i-cent6 exclaimed ,toaster4 ,now1 you do the next piece without my saying a word--but first spread that with butter1 and put it in the oven4 ,now1 you read in your book1 and see if that's not the way to make ,buttered ,toast4 ,illustration3 ,she opened her book4 ,mary ,frances opened her book4 ,read it out6 said the little man4 ,when ,i speak that way1 ,mother tells me to say ',please1' said she4 ,illustration3 ,grandificent6 exclaimed ,toaster4 ,beg pardon1 said the little man1 ,please4 ,so ,mary ,frances read3 ,,no4 #b4--;,,buttered ,,toast4 #a4 ,spread toasted bread evenly with butter4 #b4 ,pile one slice on top of the other1 and cover with a bowl4 #c4 ,place in oven4 ,that's it6 that's what ,i told you1 cried the little fellow4 ,i'm always right about toast4 ,can you make the next slice without a word more8 ,i think so1 said ,mary ,frances2 and she didn't utter a sound until she had taken the second piece out of ,toaster4 ,what a beautiful piece of toast6 exclaimed ,toaster4 ,it's better than the first4 ,illustration3 ,what a beautiful piece of toast6 ,oh1 ,i don't think---- ,mary ,frances started4 ,i know6 snapped the little man4 ,don't contradict me about toast6 ,by the way1 he asked1 why don't you make it into ,milk ,toast for your mother8 it would be softer1 and more palat--palat-- ,pal-a-table1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,buttered toast4 ,yes1 said he1 you know a good deal for a little girl1--and he began to choke4 ,mary ,frances patted him hard4 ,a piece of toast8 she asked4 ,no1 he exclaimed in-dig-nant-ly1 a long word always makes me choke4 ,that's why ,i seldom use them4 ,now1 please read about ,milk ,toast4 ,if you know---- sug-gest-ed ,mary ,frances4 ,well1 it's more like real grown-up people to have it out of a book1 said the little man4 ,go on6 ,and ,mary ,frances read from her little ,cook ,book4 ,illustration3 ,cup of milk ,,no4 #c4--,,milk ,,toast4 #a tablespoon butter #a tablespoon flour #a cup milk #a_/d teaspoon salt #c slices toast #a4 ,make ready the toast4 #b4 ,heat the milk until smoking hot4 #c4 ,melt the butter in a small saucepan4 #d4 ,throw the flour into the butter4 ,cook until it bubbles a little1 stirring all the time4 ,take from the fire4 #e4 ,pour #a_/c the milk upon the butter and flour1 a little at a time1 stirring with the back of a spoon to press out the lumps4 #f4 ,place over fire1 and gradually stir in the remaining milk4 ,illustration3 ,measuring ,cup ,pitcher #g4 ,add the salt4 ,let boil a minute4 #h4 ,put slices of toast in a heated dish2 pour the sauce over and serve hot4 ,all measures are made level with the top of cup or spoon4 ,to measure level spoonful3 ,fill spoon heaping full1 and level it off with the back of a knife4 ,for half spoonful1 cut through lengthwise4 ,for quarter spoonful1 divide a half spoonful across4 ,a saltspoon is #a_/h teaspoon4 ,that's right6 said ,toaster ,man4 ,that's the way my grandmother made it4 ,if ,i were you1 ,i'd make only half of that sauce for only two slices of toast4 ,you did so well with the ,plain ,toast2 you go right ahead with the ,milk ,toast1 and see if you can make it all yourself1 and if you need any help1 ,i'll be on the spot in a twinkle4 ,follow carefully what your little ,cook ,book says4 ,you know you must measure everything even with the top of the spoon1 or cup4 ,illustration3 ,hurrah6 ,so ,mary ,frances did exactly what the recipe told her4 ,illustration3 ,to look over the edge of the dish ,as she poured the last of the sauce over the toast1 which she had put in a pretty dish1 the little man1 who had been running here and there1 watching everything she did1 shouted1 ,hurrah6 ,at least1 he tried to shout1 but his voice would scarcely reach to a grown-up person's ear4 ,you are the best pupil ,i ever had6 ,have you had many8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,you are the only one1 said ,toaster4 ,why8 ,nothing1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i should think1 said the little man1 standing on his toes1 to look over the edge of the dish1 that that ,milk ,toast would taste awful good6 ,won't you try it8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,she was very much afraid he would1 but she wanted to show her gratitude for his kindness4 ,oh1 no1 sighed the little man1 ,i never eat4 ,you never eat6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,it may seem strange to you1 said the little man1 but everything that is put into my head falls out backwards1 and ,i simply can't eat4 ,illustration3 ,everything falls out backwards ,it must be dreadful6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,it keeps me very thin1 complained ,toaster1 but if ,i'm not mistaken1 your mother will eat all that toast1--if she gets it while it's hot4 ,oh1 ,i hope so1 said ,mary ,frances2 and ,i thank you so very very much4 ,illustration3 ,followed by the admiring gaze of all4 ,good-bye6 added the little girl1 as she went out of the kitchen1 followed by the admiring gaze of all the ,kitchen ,people4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,i thank you so very1 very much4 ,,chapter ,,iii ,,mary ,,frances' ,,mother ,,mary ,,frances pushed open the door of her mother's room very softly4 ,illustration3 ,what has my little girl there8 ,what has my little girl there8 asked her mother4 ,oh1 are you awake1 ,mother8 ,it's a s'prise for you1 and she carried the tray over to the bed4 ,her mother carefully lifted the lid of the dish4 ,milk ,toast6 the only thing ,i could eat6 why--who made it8 ,if it hadn't been for ,toaster1 it couldn't have been made1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,her mother looked at the little girl in surprise4 ,i mean1 she added1 that ,toaster really did it--he showed me how---- ,illustration3 ,it's a s'prise for you4 ,oh6 laughed her mother1 as she lifted a slice of toast out on a saucer4 ,well1 dear1 anyway ,i want you to have some toast with ,mother--and she handed the saucer to ,mary ,frances1 who said she would much rather watch her mother eat it than to have some herself2 but1 after her first taste1 she found how hungry she was4 ,it's the best toast ,i ever ate1 said her mother1 and ,mary ,frances1 dear1 ,i feel much better already4 ,she would have said more had not ,mary ,frances' brother bounded up the stairs two steps at a time with1---- ,what do you think6 ,i met ,father downtown1 and he says ,aunt ,maria's coming over to keep house for us4 ,in the daytime1 she must be at home2 but she'll come over to get breakfast for us1 and we'll go there for our dinners--and ,father says ,mother is going to the seashore to have a 'perfect rest' until she's well4 ,anyhow1 ,i'm glad we won't starve4 ,i wish ,sis knew how to cook6 and he teasingly pulled one of ,mary ,frances' curls4 ,hush1 ,brother6 said the mother1 you should have been here to see the lovely ,milk ,toast ,sister just brought me4 ,it was the best ,i ever ate--and she made it all herself4 ,almost6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,oh1 yes1 said her mother1 the dear little girlie wants ,toaster to get part of the praise4 ,illustration3 ,what do you think8 ,illustration3 ,i must warn the ,kitchen ,people4 ,illustration ,ha1 ha6 laughed ,brother1 and ,mary ,frances1 somehow1 couldn't explain about the ,kitchen ,folks4 ,instead1 ,when does ,aunt ,maria come8 she asked4 ,does she come to-night8 ,she's coming right over1 answered her brother4 ,oh1 oh6 thought ,mary ,frances1 ,i must warn the ,kitchen ,people4 ,brother1 she began1 nervously1 you stay with ,mother--,i want to take these things down4 ,but ,brother was already sitting quietly near ,mother1 and ,mary ,frances hurried softly downstairs4 ,the poor dears6 ,the poor dears6 she kept whispering all the way down4 ,illustration3 ,milk ,toast6 the only think ,i could eat6 why--who made it8 ,,chapter ,,iv ,,mary ,,frances ,,warns ,,the ,,kitchen ,,folks ,,to the kitchen door she ran1 and was about to rush out1 when she thought she heard voices--thin1 little voices they were--so she peeped out1 for the door was ajar1--and this is what she saw3 ,toaster ,man1 all tired out1 was leaning back in a chair1 snoring softly2 but all the other ,kitchen ,people were wide awake4 ,it was ,tea ,kettle that was speaking3 ,so1 he put the eight feathers in a pan1 and cooked them---- ,who did8 asked ,sauce ,pan4 ,the ,jack ,rabbit--and then he ate their fringe all off1 and gave the bones to the cat4 ,then he bragged--he bragged that he'd eaten eight whole chickens at once4 ,is that all8 asked ,sauce ,pan4 ,yes1 said ,tea ,kettle4 ,humph6 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,was that his recipe for ,fried ,chicken8 ,illustration3 ,then he bragged ,illustration3 ,toaster ,man all tired out4 ,illustration3 ,a ,little ,cap and ,apron6 cried ,mary ,frances4 ,my1 ,i'd love to hear more about the ,jack ,rabbit1 thought ,mary ,frances1 but ,i must warn them about ,aunt ,maria2 and she hurried out into the kitchen4 ,illustration ,listen6 she whispered1 with upraised finger4 ,listen6--,mother is going away1 and ,aunt ,maria's coming over to keep house4 ,don't ever say a word--she'll never understand you1 and she'll scrub and scour you till you ache1 poor things6--she'll do that anyway1 but don't talk before her4 ,i hurried down to warn you--,i was so afraid you might4 ,never fear1 spoke up ,tea ,kettle2 we never1 never talk before 'grown-ups'--we can't help them4 ,i forgot to tell you--if you speak about us to anyone1 we can never1 never speak again4 ,oh1 said ,mary ,frances1 it's a secret6 ,i'm so glad you told me--,i came so near telling ,mother about ,toaster ,man--,i might have1 only---- ,then the door-bell rang4 ,illustration3 ,she'll scrub and scour you till you ache1 poor things6 ,,chapter ,v ,,aunt ,,maria ,,for the land's sakes6 cried ,aunt ,maria4 ,for the land's sakes6 ,where in the world has that child been8 ,look at those hands6 ,have you been playing in the coal8 ,i put coal on the fire1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i guess ,i'll take a look at that fire1 myself1 ,aunt ,maria continued1 as she started toward the kitchen4 ,just then1 she caught sight of the tray which ,mary ,frances had brought downstairs4 ,milk ,toast1 she sniffed4 ,who sent that in8 ,i--,i made it1 ,mary ,frances began4 ,there was one tiny piece left4 ,aunt ,maria looked at it hard4 ,it's wonderful1 she said1 wonderful2 who showed you how8 ,who showed you how8 she demanded1 as ,mary ,frances stood silent4 ,illustration3 ,who showed you how8 ,n-no-body1--at least1 no real person4 ,i read about how to make it in my cook book4 ,illustration3 ,n-no-body4 ,illustration ,your cook book--you mean your mother's cook book4 ,no1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i mean my cook book ,mother's been making for me4 ,i'll show it to you1 and she ran to get it4 ,see6--in ,mother's writing--',mary ,frances' ,first ,cook ,book6' ,well1 said ,aunt ,maria1 you may turn out of some account1 after all4 ,it's about time to call for a ref-or-ma-tion4 ,yes1 ma'am1 said ,mary ,frances1 not un-der-stand-ing the big word--do you want me to call for it now8 ,don't be saucy6 snapped the old lady4 ,then she set about washing the little girl's hands and face1 rubbing so hard that it made the tears come1 finishing off with the towel until ,mary ,frances felt her face shine4 ,wonder if she thinks ,i'm a stove1 she thought4 ,maybe she'll black me some day by mistake6 ,i don't believe she knows how old ,i am--she treats me like a baby1 for all the world sometimes1 yet she thinks ,i ought to know more4 ,queer6 ,illustration3 ,wonder if she thinks ,i'm a stove4 ,while ,aunt ,maria was busy getting dinner1 she ran up to her mother's room4 ,mother1 she asked1 ,aunt ,maria will be gone home most of the day time1 while you're away1 won't she8 ,yes1 dear1 said ,mother2 you and ,brother are to go to her house to lunch4 ,mother1 dear1 begged ,mary ,frances1 can't ,i get lunch for ,brother and me8 ,i was going to tell you ,i read--,i found the recipe for the ,milk ,toast in my little cook book you've been making for me4 ,i came up and found it while you were asleep--,i just know ,i can get our lunches4 ,please1 ,mother1 can't ,i try8 ,well1 dear1 said ,mother1 smiling1 ,i really believe you may4 ,i've just been thinking about the toast1 and what a woman my dear little girl is4 ,just then ,aunt ,maria called3 ,dinner6 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,washing the little girl's hands and face4 ,,chapter ,,vi ,,jacket-,,boiled ,,potatoes ,,good-,,bye1 ,billy6 ,take good care of ,sister4 ,good-bye1 little ,housekeeper6 said ,mother1 leaning from the car window4 ,the children waved good-bye1 and watched the train until it was a speck in the distance4 ,illustration3 ,good-bye6 ,illustration3 ,good-bye6 ,good-bye6 ,i'm off to the mill-race1 with the boys1 ,sister1--catch6 cried ,billy1 tossing ,mary ,frances the key4 ,all right1 she called1 be sure to come home to lunch--twelve o'clock4 ,mary ,frances suddenly felt very lonesome4 ,but ,i'll go home to my ,kitchen ,folks--they'll be good company1 she thought4 ,when she let herself into the house1 how big and empty it seemed6 ,she was almost afraid to go in1 but she bravely locked the door behind her4 ,she thought she heard a noise4 ,surely the curtain moved6 ,her heart went pit-a-pat6 ,the curtain moved again4 ,out sprang ,jubey1 and scampered off into the kitchen4 ,oh1 you darling kitten6 she cried1 running after her4 ,how you scared me1 ,jubey6 ,illustration3 ,how you scared me1 ,jubey6 ,everything was as neat as a pin4 ,all the ,kitchen ,folks were in their places1 prim1 and quiet1 and scared1 just as ,aunt ,maria had left them1 but when they saw her they brightened up1 and smiled a welcome4 ,how do you do1 ,kitchen ,folks8 she said4 ,how do1 little ,miss8 merrily sang ,tea ,kettle4 ,h-o-w d-o8 ticked ,mantel ,clock4 ,what in the world shall ,i have for lunch8 mused the little girl4 ,that boy will be as hungry as two bears1--and ,i don't know many things to cook yet4 ,toast is all right for a sick person1 but it isn't much for a hungry boy1--and ,i ought to make something new4 ,let me see what my little book says1 and she fetched it out of its hiding place4 ,illustration3 ,as hungry as two bears4 ,oh1 ,i know6 ,i'll make everything6 ,i do hope ,i get through the book before ,mother comes back6 ,let's see1--here's ',how to ,cook ,potatoes1' and ',eggs'2 here are ',biscuits1' and even how to make ',tarts' and ',cakes1'--and ,goody6 ,candy6 ,oh1 how ,i'd love to make candy right away1 but ,mother said ,i must make the things in the order they come in the book4 ,so to-day ,i make ,,no4 #d4--;,,jacket-,,boiled ,,potatoes4 #a4 ,scrub rather small potatoes well4 #b4 ,pare a ring around each the long way2 drop into cold water4 #c4 ,drain2 cover with boiling water2 add #a tablespoon salt4 #d4 ,let boil about #ce minutes1 or until a fork will easily pierce the largest4 #e4 ,drain off all the water1 and set pan at back of stove to dry off the potatoes4 #f4 ,serve in their jackets4 ,illustration3 ,jacket boiled potatoes ,i wonder how many ,billy will eat1 she thought1 as she brought the basket4 ,i guess about--about--,i don't know4 ,he has an e-nor-mous appetite4 ,i guess ,i'll cook a hundred4 ,he'll never eat a hundred6 ,illustration3 ,he'll never eat a hundred4 ,mary ,frances looked around4 ,boiler ,pan was climbing down from the closet shelf4 ,hello6 ,how do you know8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,you never saw him eat4 ,hear that6 ,hear that6 cried ,boiler ,pan4 ,as though ,i hadn't cooked potatoes before you were born4 ,eat a hundred8 ,why1 ,i can't hold a hundred--so there6 ,ho1 ho6 said ,mary ,frances1 that must be so4 ,how many can you hold8 ,oh1 about thirty1 ,i guess1 swelling with pride4 ,well1 said ,mary ,frances1 you've no notion how many that boy can eat1 and there isn't much else for lunch4 ,i guess ,i'll cook about twelve1--and counting them out1 she began to wash them4 ,be sure to get all the sand out of their eyes1 laughed ,boiler ,pan4 ,but first1 will you help me jump up on the stove1 and fill me8--then ,i can boil while you're 'ringing' the potatoes4 ,this done1 he was very quiet1 while she finished the potatoes4 ,just then the clock struck eleven4 ,illustration3 ,the clock struck eleven4 ,why1 ,i must hurry1 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,i'm ready1 bubbled ,boiler ,pan4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i'm coming1 and she dropped the potatoes in one by one4 ,now1 put on my hat1 said ,boiler ,pan1 and ,mary ,frances put on the lid4 ,are they all right8 asked the little girl4 ,illustration3 ,swelling with pride4 ,all right6 he answered in a muffled voice4 ,mary ,frances then went in the dining-room1 and busied herself about setting the table4 ,soon1 she heard a rumpus in the kitchen4 ,she ran out4 ,bubbles were sputtering over the sides of ,boiler ,pan1 and the lid was dancing a jig4 ,what shall ,i do8 ,what shall ,i do8 cried ,mary ,frances1 jumping up and down4 ,this hat's crazy6 ,take it off1 quick6 ,boiler ,pan besought her4 ,without thinking1 she seized the lid with her fingers1 but dropped it with a cry of pain4 ,i'm scalded1 ,i'm scalded1 she sobbed4 ,what will ,i do for it8 and she ran for some cold water4 ,don't do that1 child1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,butter it and then powder it with baking soda the way your mother does4 ,illustration3 ,don't do that child4 ,i'm so sorry1 said ,boiler ,pan1 but ,i really couldn't get my old hat off4 ,i should have told you to take a holder4 ,illustration3 ,this hat's crazy6 ,never mind1 it's better now4 ,those potatoes must be done4 ,yes1 as she tried them with a fork1 even the biggest is done in the middle4 ,i'm so glad1 for ,i expect that boy any minute4 ,so'm ,i1 said ,boiler ,pan1 for ,i feel the effect of this stren-u-os-i-ty4 ,mary ,frances pretended not to notice this speech1 but carefully drained the water from the potatoes1 and shook ,boiler ,pan over the fire to dry them off4 ,i--,i--learned--that--that--wor--word-- after year--years--of--stud--study1 he said between the shakes1 and you--nev--never--notic--noticed---- ,but ,billy was knocking4 ,so ,mary ,frances1 hastily putting ,boiler ,pan on the back of the stove1 ran to let him in4 ,hello1 ,sister6 ,here we are6 ,lunch ready8 ,illustration3 ,hello1 ,sister4 ,yes1 all ready4 ,i'll put it on4 ,you sit in ,father's place1 and we'll play we're grown up4 ,scrumptious6 exclaimed ,billy1 as ,mary ,frances set the smoking dish of potatoes on the table4 ,what an excellent cook you must have1 ,madam1 he said1 after his first taste4 ,such good potatoes6 ,i have ten1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,let's give it to ,jubey4 ,ten6 ,you are fortunate1 indeed1 ,madam1 said ,billy1 for all the world as though he were a grown-up young gentleman4 ,how quiet they keep4 ,illustration ,yes1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 but they're 'most always busy1 and she held up her ten pink little fingers4 ,illustration3 ,i have ten1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,oh1 ,billy1 she added earnestly1 ,i'm so glad you like them--the potatoes1 ,i mean4 ,there is only one left--won't you have that8 ,oh1 let's give that to ,jubey--,jubey might be hurt if you didn't let her try them4 ,i would1--if ,i were ,jubey4 ,,chapter ,,vii ,,the ,,pot-,,and-,,kettle ,,fight ,,good morning1 ,kitchen ,people1 said ,mary ,frances1 after breakfast next day1 this is a very important morning with me4 ,the ,kitchen ,people looked pleased and important1 too4 ,illustration3 ,looked pleased and important4 ,you see1 it's this way1 she continued as she took her little book and sat in the rocking chair4 ,i am very anxious to get through every recipe in my cook book before ,mother comes home1 so ,i guess we'll just finish all the potato recipes to-day1--and give ,billy a ,potato ,lunch6 ,won't that be fine8 ,the ,kitchen ,people all smiled in approval4 ,she went to the window4 ,o--h1 ,billy6 ,billy6 she called2 you're invited to a ,potato ,lunch in our dining-room at twelve o'clock4 ,illustration3 ,o--h1 ,billy6 ,all right1 ,i'll be on time1 answered ,billy from the garden4 ,let's see1 said ,mary ,frances to herself1 four more recipes--about two potatoes each4 ,four times two1--eight4 ,she washed the potatoes carefully1 and had no sooner set about paring them1 than the kitchen door opened1 and in walked ,aunt ,maria4 ,what in the world is that child doing8 ,paring potatoes8 ,did ,i ever6--,such thin1 close parings1 too6 ,how well she does it6--,but you must drop them into cold water as soon as they are pared1 child4 ,i wish ,i could stay and show you how to cook1 but duty calls me--,i must be going6 ,illustration3 ,drop them into cold water4 ,mary ,frances stepped to the door with her4 ,when ,i was your age1 child1 ,i could cook 'most everything and piece patch-work for quilts1--and she kept ,mary ,frances on the porch ten minutes1 telling her that little girls weren't brought up any more to be useful the way they were when she was a little girl4 99 99 99 99 99 ,oh1 my lid6 sang ,tea ,kettle1 as ,mary ,frances stepped back into the kitchen4 ,oh1 my aunt6--has the old lady went8 ,gone6 said ,big ,iron ,pot from the back of the stove4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 my aunt6 ,who dares correct me8 simmered ,tea ,kettle4 ,i dare1 sputtered ,iron ,pot4 ,i dare1--and ,i dare tell you other things1 too6 ,illustration3 ,who dares correct me8 ,i dare6 ,you do1 do you8 bubbled ,tea ,kettle4 ,you do6 ,well1 what do you dare tell me8 ,i dare tell you1 ,mister1 said ,iron ,pot1 that you've got a dirty face--yes1 a black face4 ,tea ,kettle1 it was plain to be seen1 was boiling mad4 ,steam blew out of his nose in every direction4 ,now1 everybody who knows anything about a tea kettle can imagine how very angry ,tea ,kettle was4 ,as soon as he could get his breath1 he blew steam all over ,iron ,pot4 ,my face is black1 is it8 ,well1 yours is black1--and it will soon be black and blue6 ,you swallow them words6 and ,iron ,pot raised his queer little fists4 ,sput6 mocked ,tea ,kettle1 getting ready to spout again4 ,take that6 ,wang6 came down the little fist1--but not on the lid of ,tea ,kettle4 ,oh1 no2 for just as that was going to happen1 ,mary ,frances lifted him high in the air4 ,let go of me6 ,let me at ,iron ,pot6 ,he was at white heat4 ,be quiet6 said ,mary ,frances1 shaking him quite hard4 ,what's all this about8 ,iron ,pot commenced it6 sullenly simmered ,tea ,kettle4 ,iron ,pot called me names6 ,why1 said ,mary ,frances1 this is disgraceful6 ,now1 you sit there6 ,she put ,tea ,kettle on the front of the stove4 ,and you1 there6 ,she pulled ,big ,iron ,pot as far back as she could4 ,now1 behave yourselves6 ,then she sat down to rest4 ,what makes them quarrel so1 ,i wonder1 ,mary ,frances said half to herself4 ,all the ,kitchen ,people seem so kind and helpful4 ,why1 don't you know1 child8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,i thought everybody knew that story4 ,illustration3 ,don't you know1 child8 ,let me at him6 ,a story6 ,mary ,frances was always ready to listen to a story4 ,won't you tell me1 please8 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin cleared her voice1 and rolled back an inch or two to a more comfortable place on the table4 ,you see1 it's this way1 child1 she began4 ,in the days of your great-grandmother there were no stoves1 only open fireplaces were used for cooking1--and kettles were just as black then as that old black ,pot there4 ,illustration3 ,in the days of your great grandmother ,so1 when the ,pot called the ,kettle black1 the ,kettle said3 ',black yourself6' and no harm was done4 ,but when your mother got that fine new cook stove1 she bought that bright1 shiny ,kettle1 too4 ,but that silly old ,pot doesn't know that the new ,kettle is bright and shiny1 so it keeps on calling names4 ,that ,pot doesn't know it's fooling itself1--for all it sees is its own homely old black self in the shiny ,kettle making faces4 ,and that's what comes of calling names1 child1 chuckled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 as she ended her story4 ,then ,mr4 ,tea ,kettle puffed steam importantly1 and clapped his little lid4 ,nothing more was said in the kitchen for several seconds4 ,illustration3 ,kettles were just as black4 ,thank you6 at length said ,mary ,frances gratefully to ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,then she added1 very firmly and gently to ,iron ,pot and ,tea ,kettle3 ,i want you to promise me never to call names again1 either one of you1 for it makes me feel so sad4 ,do you promise8 she asked4 ,i promise1 brightly answered ,tea ,kettle4 ,i pro-promise1 solemnly declared ,big ,iron ,pot4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,why1 said ,mary ,frances1 this is disgraceful6 ,,chapter ,,viii ,a ,,potato ,,lunch ,i',m so relieved1 said ,mary ,frances with a sigh4 ,now1 ,i can hurry along the ,potato ,lunch4 ,yes1 chimed in ,mantel ,clock1 it's quarter past eleven4 ,you have only three-quarters of an hour4 ,illustration3 ,yes1 chimed in ,mantel ,clock ,that's so6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,the next recipe is3 ,,no4 #e4--;,,baked ,,potatoes4 #a4 ,choose potatoes of the same size--rather large4 #b4 ,scrub well1 and wipe4 #c4 ,bake in a hot oven from #cj to #de minutes1 or until soft when pressed between thumb and fingers4 #d4 ,roll each between the fingers3 this makes them mealy4 #e4 ,serve on a napkin4 ,why1 ,i won't need to pare those6 ,i'll put two of these ,i've washed in the oven4 ,the oven's grand and hot6 ,let me see1--will all the others need paring8 ,illustration3 ,i won't need to pare those4 ,yes1 she laughed1 ,i didn't notice the heading of the chapter before---- ',potatoes ,without ,jackets1' ,,no4 #f4--;,,boiled ,,potatoes4 #a4 ,wash potatoes4 #b4 ,pare1 throwing into cold water4 #c4 ,drain2 cover with boiling water1 allowing #a tablespoon salt to every twelve potatoes4 #d4 ,let boil #a_/b hour1 or until the largest is soft when pierced with a fork4 #e4 ,drain off all the water4 #f4 ,shake over fire1 or place on back of stove to dry off the potatoes4 ,,no4 #g4--,,mashed ,,potatoes4 #a4 ,boil potatoes4 ,drain2 dry off4 #b4 ,mash in pan in which they were cooked4 #c4 ,for every cupful1 add #a dash pepper1 #a saltspoon salt1 #a_/b tablespoon butter 7scant74 #d4 ,for every cupful1 heat #b tablespoons milk4 #e4 ,throw the heated milk on potatoes4 #f4 ,beat with a wire fork until creamy4 #g4 ,pile lightly on a hot dish4 ,serve uncovered4 ,illustration3 ,potatoes without jackets ,illustration3 ,measuring ,spoons ,illustration3 ,billy's ,potato ,luncheon4 ,,note4--,remember that all measurements are level or even with the top4 ,to divide a spoonful1 cut it through the middle lengthwise1 for a half2 and across that1 for one-quarter of a spoonful4 ,,no4 #h4--,,potato ,,soup4 ,place on the table3 #c freshly boiled potatoes #a onion butter parsley flour dredger pepper salt #a pint milk 7#b cups7 #a4 ,put the milk in the upper part of a double boiler1 half filling the under part with boiling water4 #b4 ,throw in #b slices of onion1 and put double boiler on the stove for #aj minutes4 #c4 ,mash potatoes and add to the hot milk4 #d4 ,add #a teaspoon salt and a dash of pepper4 #e4 ,put through a wire strainer1 rubbing the potatoes through with a spoon4 #f4 ,put into double boiler and place on stove4 #g4 ,melt #a tablespoon butter in a little pan4 #h4 ,throw into it #a_/b tablespoon flour4 ,stir well4 #i4 ,dip a little of the hot milk on this1 stirring well1 then pour into the soup4 #aj4 ,let boil #aj minutes4 #aa4 ,add #a tablespoon chopped parsley4 ,if too thick1 add hot water or milk4 #ab4 ,serve very hot4 ,illustration3 ,two cups of milk ,illustration3 ,to divide a spoonful ,oh1 ,i know how to cook boiled potatoes6 ,they're just like jacket-boiled1 only they have their jackets off1 she cried4 ,why1 certainly1 exclaimed ,boiler ,pan1 which she had put on the stove half full of water1 ,i know my part--,i just hurry them right along in a jiffy4 ,illustration3 ,i just hurry them along ,he looked so interested that ,mary ,frances laughed as she dropped the potatoes in4 ,are they all to be boi--boiled8 stuttered the bubbling ,boiler ,pan4 ,yes1 said ,mary ,frances1 all except those ,i put in the oven4 ,listen6 ,i'll tell you the menu for ,billy's ,potato ,lunch4 ,we'll begin1 of course1 with soup--,potato ,soup4 ',puree' is the word for thick soups1 suggested ,boiler ,pan4 ,it seems more stylish1 don't you think8 ,yes1 indeed6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i do believe ,i'll write a card for each of us to have at our places at the table6 and she quickly brought her school pad from her desk4 ,illustration3 ,she brought her school pad4 ,then she wrote3 ,,menu ,billy's ,potato ,lunch ,puree of ,potato ,potatoes-in-the-,shell ,cold ,meat ,mashed ,potatoes ,sliced ,bananas with ,cream ,milk ,that ',potato-in-the-,shell' sounds 'swell1' said ,coffee ,pot1 but it seems to me you ought to have something to drink1 like coffee1 or something of that kind4 ,oh1 that's true1 ,mary ,frances replied1 but ,i don't know how to make coffee1 and ,mother said ,i must make everything in the order it came in my book---- ,won't you look to see if my turn doesn't come soon8 interrupted ,coffee ,pot4 ,illustration3 ,see if my turn doesn't come soon8 ,not to-day1 ,mary ,frances shook her head4 ,to-day we have milk4 ,illustration3 ,to-day we have milk4 ,why1 to-morrow6 as she looked in her book4 ,isn't that fine6 ,but--those potatoes must be done4 ,i should think so6 ,a minute more1 and they'd have been burned6 she said as she drained off the water4 ,now1 ready for the masher6 ,quite ready1 said a little voice1 and ,mary ,frances was not surprised to see ,potato ,masher tumble over the edge of ,boiler ,pan as she put him on the table4 ,illustration3 ,quite ready4 ,push my head down hard6 said he in a thick1 mushy voice1 and ,mary ,frances did as he directed4 ,suddenly ,potato ,masher stopped work4 ,how will you know how much potato to put into the soup8 he asked4 ,why1 said ,mary ,frances1 there were only six boiled ones altogether1 so the three for the soup will be just half4 ,pretty good1 pretty good for a little girl just learning to cook1 ,potato ,masher said1 and ducked his head into the potatoes again4 ,when they were finished ,mary ,frances said3 ,illustration3 ,push my head down hard ,you know so much about potatoes1 perhaps you can sit right up on that box1 pointing to the sugar box1 and tell me when ,i make a mistake4 ,i'm going to do 'xactly as my book says--you cry out1 ',stop6' when ,i do anything the wrong way4 ,it--will--be--the--day--of--my--life--e ver--to--be--remembered-- ,potato ,masher ran his words together clumsily--,but ,i should be very much obliged to you if you would first wash my face4 ,illustration3 ,first wash my face4 ,why1 certainly1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i didn't like to suggest it4 ,thank you kindly1 ,miss4 ',tis a pleasure to serve you1 said the little fellow1 as he perched himself on the sugar box1 when ,mary ,frances brought him back to the table4 ,all ready8 asked the little girl4 ,class proceed6 said ,potato ,masher1 with a school teacher air4 ,only twice did he interrupt her as she followed every direction given in the recipes3 once1 to remind her of the potatoes in the oven2 and again1 to tell her to pour the soup very slowly1 lest she burn herself4 ,illustration3 ,class proceed ,it's mag-nif-i-cent6--this ,potato ,lunch1 said he1 as ,mary ,frances carried the last smoking dish to the dining table4 ',tis a proud day for the ',assistant ,chef'--meaning myself4 ,he made a pompous little bow toward the ,kitchen ,folks4 ,i little thought she'd be on time4 ,i was afraid ,i'd have to strike before she was ready1 declared ,mantel ,clock1 beginning to strike twelve just as ,billy came in4 ,menus6 exclaimed the boy4 ,illustration3 ,menus6 exclaimed the boy4 ,jimminy6 ',billy's ,potato ,lunch1' he read4 ,oh1 ,i say--if ,i'd known ,i'd have dressed for the occasion6 ,don't make fun1 ,billy1 begged ,mary ,frances4 ',make fun1' cried ,billy4 ,just taste that soup--and see if anyone could make fun4 ,it's fit for the ,president4 ,oh--,billy6 ,mary ,frances laughed4 ,maybe you think ,i don't mean it1 said ,billy1 helping himself to mashed potatoes4 ,why didn't you invite some company8 ,i didn't know that ,potato ,masher--,i mean1 ,i didn't know it would turn out so well1 blushed ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,i little thought she'd be on time4 ,illustration ,invite somebody--can't ,i bring ,bob and ,eleanor over some day soon to lunch8 ,yes1' said ,mary ,frances1 if ,aunt ,maria---- ,oh1 by the way1 said ,billy ,i 'most forgot6 ,aunt ,maria had word her brother is sick at ,upland1 and she went to see him this morning1 and can't possibly be back in time for breakfast4 ,i guessed we'd make out ,o4 ,k4 ,i told her--,i was thinking of our lunches1 you know4 ,billy--really8 asked ,mary ,frances1 but ,i'm sorry for ,aunt ,maria's brother4 ,illustration3 ,thank you kindly1 ,miss4 ,,chapter ,,ix ,,mary ,,frances ,,gets ,,breakfast ,,mary ,,frances was a long time getting to sleep that night for thinking about breakfast4 ,she had her little cook book1 and ,mother's last letter under her pillow4 ,billy writes your lunches are 'scrumptious1' ran her mother's letter4 ,i cannot tell how much comfort my little girl is to me4 ,illustration3 ,mother's last letter4 ,i've 'most a mind to tell ,mother about the cook book1 thought ,mary ,frances1 but won't she open her eyes when ,i tell her ,i've made everything--if ,i can keep the secret6 ,i do hope ,i wake up in time4 ,father said he'd call me to breakfast1 when he said ,good-night1 but ,i want to slip down1 and have everything ready when he comes4 ,so she fell asleep1 and dreamed she made an ,angel ,cake as big as a mountain1 and that ,jubey stole it1 and fed all the hungry cats in the ,world4 ,illustration3 ,jubey fed all the hungry cats in the world4 ,she had fixed the curtain so that the first sunlight would fall on her face1 and it seemed only a breath of time until she felt it call her4 ,how sleepy she was6 ,i'll get down before the ,kitchen ,folks are awake1 she whispered4 ,she carried her little shoes in her hand and stole softly downstairs1 stopping in the dining-room to put them on4 ,nonsense1 you6 she recognized the voice of ,tea ,kettle4 ,just wait till ,i read it out of my little book1 mimicked a new voice4 ,for shame1 you saucy ,pan6 exclaimed ,big ,iron ,pot4 ,just wait until ,i read it6 ,mary ,frances peeped into the kitchen4 ,in the middle of the floor stood little ,sauce ,pan1 pretending to read out of a book3 ',how to ,make ,potato ,pie ,out of ,sauer-kraut4' ,silly6 exclaimed ,potato ,masher4 ,sauce ,pan repeated3 ,to ,make ,potato ,pie ,out of ,sauer-kraut3 #a4 ,fill eight potatoes with ,sauer-kraut1 and peel them4 ,illustration3 ,to ,make ,potato ,pie ,out of ,sauer-kraut4 ,illustration3 ,for shame1 you saucy ,pan6 #b4 ,make a crust of the left-overs4 #c4 ,bake the parings well1 and serve very hot on ice4 ,just then ,mary ,frances sneezed4 ,how ,sauce ,pan ran1 and jumped up to his place on the rack6 ,he looked so shamefaced when ,mary ,frances went in1 that she hadn't the heart to scold him4 ,instead1 ,boiled ,eggs1 she called4 ,he pretended to be asleep4 ,then she took him by the arm and shook him4 ,boiled ,eggs6 she shouted4 ,doesn't that mean you8 ,yes1 ma'am1 he said meekly2 ,i'm such a 'sleepy-head6' ,do you know1 con-fi-den-ti-al-ly1 ,i often talk in my sleep4 ,at this the ,kitchen ,people grinned4 ,illustration3 ,he pretended to be asleep4 ,ahem6 said ,mary ,frances1 ,it's a dangerous habit4 ,sometimes people tell stories when they're awake1 too1 she added as she stepped out to get the milk4 ,is ',old ,puff-away' ready8 asked ,sauce ,pan of ,coffee ,pot4 ,illustration3 ,i can scarcely wait till ,i'm needed ,if you mean ,tea ,kettle1 ,saucy1 answered ,coffee ,pot excitedly1 ,i hope so1 for ,i can scarcely wait till ,i'm needed4 ,tea ,kettle gave two extra puffs of steam1 but otherwise took no notice4 ,how do you know you'll be used8 ,sauce ,pan asked of ,coffee ,pot1 nudging ,pie ,plate who was near him4 ,i come next in the book--and1 besides1 ,i'm always used for breakfast4 ,coffee ,pot was beginning to get angry4 ,bet we have eggs1--eggs1 and toast1 and--tea6 ,yes1 ,i bet it's tea for ,b4 this morning4 ,sauce ,pan kept on saying1 ,tea for ,b4 so long that ,coffee ,pot began to cry3 ,eggs and toast and tea1 ,that doesn't mean me4 ,coffee is better-- ,though not wetter-- ,for breakfast ,than tea1 tea1 tea4 ,illustration3 ,coffee ,pot began to cry ,tee-hee--,tee-hee--,tee-hee6 giggled ,sauce ,pan1 pointing to ,coffee ,pot tan-ta-liz-ing-ly1 who began to cry in earnest4 ,illustration3 ,tee-hee--,tee-hee6 giggled ,sauce ,pan4 ,why1 what's the matter with ,coffee ,pot8 ,mary ,frances asked when she came in4 ,is it possible ,aunt ,maria forgot to dry you last night8 ,nobody said anything--and ,sauce ,pan hastily ran toward the stove4 ,wait1 called ,mary ,frances1 wait a minute until ,i can look in my book---- ,oh1 ,i can say it without any book--we all know our own tricks1 boasted ,sauce ,pan4 ,all right1 said ,mary ,frances1 say it--that will save time4 ,so he began4 ,b'iled eggs--excuse me6--boiled eggs1 he corrected1 seeing ,mary ,frances' stern face4 ,,no4 #i4--;,,boiled ,,eggs4 #a4 ,put eggs in sauce pan4 #b4 ,cover with boiling ,water4 #c4 ,place where the water will keep hot #f to #aj minutes4 ,a quicker method is to boil eggs very gently #c or #d minutes4 ,illustration3 ,boiled eggs4 ,illustration3 ,that's what ,nora said ,why6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances1 ,i thought you dropped the eggs into boiling water for three minutes or more1 'accordin'--that's what ,nora said4 ,i asked her what 'accordin' meant1 and she said 'accordin' to the tastes of them that eats them--soft or hard4 ,i was speaking of the best way1 declared ,sauce ,pan glancing loftily at ,mary ,frances4 ,there is no end of ways to do it1 but this is the scientific way to cook eggs so that they will be soft1 but cooked all the way through and easily digested--not liquid inside a hard1 white coat4 ,in other ,words--,ahem6 the al-bu-men 7white of egg7 cooks much better at a lower than a higher temperature4 ,illustration3 ,glancing loftily at ,mary ,frances ,whew6 whistled ,coffee ,pot4 ,i wonder how it is in my book4 ,mary ,frances turned to the page4 ,exactly as you said6 she exclaimed4 ,of course6 declared ,sauce ,pan4 ,bet he peeped into the book1 whispered ,coffee ,pot to ,toaster4 ,illustration3 ,bet he peeped into the book4 ,sauce ,pan continued3 ,it is somewhat the same way with ,,no4 #aj4--;,,hard-,,boiled ,,eggs4 #a4 ,put eggs in sauce pan4 #b4 ,cover them with boiling water4 #c4 ,place on fire where the water will boil but very gently #bj minutes4 ,thinks he knows it all1 grumbled ,coffee ,pot2 he'll be like the frog2 he'll burst with pride if he keeps this up4 ,well1 well1 well6 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i certainly am surprised at what you know4 ,a ,sauce ,pan is a funny thing1 ,needed by every lassie1-- ,although it may be full of sauce ,it may not yet be sassy1 sang the little fellow1 dancing on the stove4 ,illustration3 ,a ,sauce ,pan is a funny thing4 ,old ,puff-away1 he began4 ,that will do6 said ,mary ,frances1 and proceeded to pour out the hot water4 ,tea ,kettle is my right-hand man4 ,don't you dare say another word until ,i speak to you--as she put in the eggs1 and drew him to the back of the stove4 ,and now1 ,i'll make the coffee4 ,at her side stood ,coffee ,pot4 ,are you ready8 he asked4 ,quite ready1 she said4 ,is it really my turn8 he asked again4 ,yes1 smiled ,mary ,frances1 it is6 ,illustration3 ,he'll be like the frog4 ,then he began to recite ex-cit-ed-ly3 ,,no4 #aa4--;,,coffee4 #a4 ,put into coffee pot #a rounded tablespoon ground coffee for each cup needed4 #b4 ,pour on boiling water1 allowing #a cup to every tablespoon coffee used4 #c4 ,let come to a boil three times1 stirring down each time4 #d4 ,draw off the fire4 ,pour in #a tablespoon cold water for each cup4 #e4 ,let stand in a warm place #c minutes to settle grounds4 ,serve4 ,if not used immediately1 strain into another warmed pot4 ,you might pour out the first cupful to clear the nose--,i mean1 spout--then pour it back again4 ,he stopped for breath4 ,thank you1 ,coffee ,pot1 smiled ,mary ,frances1 in praise1 how interested and wide awake you are6 ,i never sleep much1 confided ,coffee ,pot4 ,i believe it's the coffee--just 'cat naps1' you know4 ,i sometimes think my heart is affected--,i'm so easily stirred up1--although ,i always feel well4 ,illustration3 ,i think my heart is affected ,if you always feel well1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 ,i guess your heart is all right4 ,oh1 yes1 giggled ,sauce ,pan1 he's awfully good-hearted4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 yes1 giggled ,sauce ,pan4 ,didn't ,i tell you1--'not another word' until ,i spoke to you8 said ,mary ,frances to ,sauce ,pan1 as she lifted ,coffee ,pot to the table1 and measured out the coffee and water4 ,after she had followed his directions entirely1 she made the toast4 ,toaster ,man was so sleepy1 he didn't say a word except1 ,you'll do it right1 ,i know1 and fell asleep again4 ,just then1 ,mary ,frances heard her father call4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,sauce ,pan1 pretending to read out of a book4 ,,chapter ,x ,,the ,,breakfast ,,burns ,,up ,,mary ,,frances1 dear1 you can get up now1 her father was saying4 ,why1 where is my little girl8 ,she knew he was looking in her bedroom4 ,all right1 ,father1 she called2 ,i'm up and dressed--and downstairs--and1 ,father1 wait a minute2 breakfast is almost ready4 ,i'll call you in a minute4 ,she ran to put some oranges on the table4 ,illustration3 ,she ran to put some oranges on the table ,you can come now1 you and ,brother1 she then called4 ,you sit right down and eat your oranges1 as ,i bring in the other things4 ,all right1 dear1 said her father2 but first ,i want my good-morning kiss4 ,a kiss and a bear hug1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 throwing her arms around him as he lifted her up4 ,you stole a march on your old father this morning1 all right1 laughed her father4 ,breakfast1 indeed6 ,why1 ,i never was so surprised in my life4 ,illustration3 ,why ,i never was so surprised in my life ,oh1 ,brother1 said ,mary ,frances1 kissing ,billy2 you and ,father sit down1 and ,i'll bring in the coffee4 ,she flew into the kitchen4 ,such a place6 ,so thick with smoke and steam that all the ,kitchen ,people were coughing4 ,oh1 dear6 dear6 cried ,mary ,frances1 the tears coming fast4 ,everything's burnt up6 ,why1 didn't you call me1 ,sillies8 ,to sit here and let the toast burn up6 ,illustration3 ,why didn't you call me1 ,sillies8 ,i--,i did call you1 cried ,coffee ,pot1 sputtering more coffee over on the stove1 but ,i couldn't make you hear4 ,illustration3 ,i--,i did call you4 ,why didn't you call8 asked ,mary ,frances of ,sauce ,pan with a sob4 ,you told me not to speak until you spoke to me---- ,i was asleep1 interrupted ,toaster4 ,who are you talking to1 ,mary ,frances8 asked her father4 ,aren't you nearly ready8 ,sh--sh6 ,warned ,mary ,frances1 with uplifted finger--then aloud3 ,oh1 ,father1 ,i'm so disappointed6 ,i had everything ready so nice and hot1 and now everything's burnt up6 ,oh1 de--ar1 oh1 oh1 oh1 de--ar6 ,never mind1 ,honey1 said her father1 kissing away her tears4 ,never mind6 ,there's no hurry this morning1 ,i'll fix the fire and you do it all over again4 ,but ,i've wasted all the eggs--they're as hard as bricks--they cooked twenty minutes4 ,i forgot them4 ,they'll be fine in our salad to-night1 said ,brother2 ,i love hard-boiled eggs that way4 ,illustration3 ,they'll be fine in our salad4 ,brother1 you run out in the garden1 said her father1 ,sister is going to have our breakfast ready in a very few minutes4 ,i'll do that1 cried ,billy1 and ,i'll have a fine appetite4 ,when they went into the kitchen ,mary ,frances saw ,sauce ,pan whisper something to ,coffee ,pot1 but her father didn't notice4 ,he quickly fixed the fire4 ,now1 ,father1 begged ,mary ,frances1 please let me do it and ,i'll have everything on the table in no time4 ,ho-ho6 little ,miss ,housekeeper doesn't need any help4 ,very well6 ,illustration3 ,sauce ,pan whispered something to ,coffee ,pot4 ,illustration3 ,it keeps me so sad4 ,i did need help with the fire1 ,father1 said ,mary ,frances2 it was a great help1 but---- ,all right1 ,girlie1 said ,father1 ,i'll read my paper2 you call us when you're ready4 ,in a very few minutes she did call them1 and a fine breakfast it was1 too2 for ,mary ,frances knew how so well that not a minute was wasted4 ,ain't she the loveliest cook1 whispered ,coffee ,pot to ,sauce ,pan1 as ,mary ,frances disappeared through the dining room door with the eggs4 ,loveliest ever6 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,i really was afraid to call her for fear her father would hear4 ,i'm so sorry---- ,yes1 nodded ,toaster ,man1 ,i can't seem to get it off my mind4 ,it keeps me so sad--won't you tell us a story8 ,i can't get it off my mind1 either1 said ,sauce ,pan1 with a sob1 but ,i'll do my best4 ,here goes3 ,our little ,miss sat down and cried1 ,and called her ,sauce ,pan to her1 ',i feel so berry bad inside1 ,i wish you'd 7h7eat some sugar4' ,illustration3 ,i can't get it off my mind1 either4 ,illustration ,oh1 silly6 interrupted ,toaster ,man1 don't make fun1--besides1 you know that's not true4 ,well1 replied ,sauce ,pan1 ,i thought you wanted a story6 ,pooh6 puffed ,tea ,kettle1 ,what a poor pun6 ,i should think you'd all be tired out4 ,let's take a nap4 ,i just want to say ,i love our little ,miss just the same1 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,and ,i6 ,and ,i6 cried all the ,kitchen ,people4 ,illustration3 ,a kiss and a bear hug1 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,,chapter ,,xi ,a ,,joke ,,on ,,aunt ,,maria ,,oh1 hum-m-m6 ,o1 yah1 yah1 yah1 yawned ,tea ,kettle next morning1 stretching his funny little arms4 ,oh1 ,i say1 he shouted1 ,wake up6 ,we've overslept4 ,wake up1 everybody6 ,where's our little mistress1 ,i wonder8 ,nice memory1--yours6 drawled ,sauce ,pan4 ,don't you remember they all went over to ,aunt ,maria ,hush's for dinner ,saturday night1 and for ,sunday8 ,illustration3 ,i'd like to know why not ,aunt ,maria ,hush6 roared ,tea ,kettle4 ,that's not her name6 ,i'd like to know why not1 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,every time ,i go to say anything when she's here1 somebody says1 ',keep still--that's ,aunt ,maria1--,hush6 ,ho1 ho1 ho1 hee-hee-hee6 laughed all the ,kitchen ,people4 ,that meant1 ',be still1' ,goosie1 ,tea ,kettle explained4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 hum-m-m6 ,o1 yah1 yah1 yah4 ,illustration ,when ,aunt ,maria and ,mary ,frances came into the kitchen later1 the old lady was talking4 ,very creditable1 child1 she said1 looking at the shelves1 all in order1 very creditable indeed4 ,i can't understand it--with no one to show you how to---- ,i have my little book1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,book6 sniffed ,aunt ,maria1 putting the breakfast cereal on to cook4 ,book6 ,a book can't tell you exactly when a piece of toast is brown enough1 or a potato just done enough to be mealy1 nor how to keep a pan from burning4 ,book6 ,it's talent6 ,that's what it is6 ,blood will tell4 ,you inherited it from me4 ,i never burnt pans--never in my life--there's no excuse for it4 ,yes1 ma'am1 said ,mary ,frances1 thinking of the ruined breakfast4 ,go up1 and open the beds to air1 commanded ,aunt ,maria4 ,when ,mary ,frances got back1 she could scarcely see across the kitchen for smoke4 ,fire6 screamed ,aunt ,maria1 making for ,boiler ,pan on the stove4 ,illustration3 ,fire6 screamed ,aunt ,maria4 ,illustration3 ,,book6 ,,sniffed ,,aunt ,,maria1 ,,book6--,,it',s ,,talent6 ,i thought the house was on fire1 she panted1 snatching it up4 ,oh1--oh1 ,i wish ,i had my smelling salts6 ,the porridge is all burnt up6 ,what a disgrace6 ,mary ,frances felt very sorry for her1 but when she saw ,sauce ,pan and ,coffee ,pot holding their queer little fists over their mouths to keep from laughing out1 and when she remembered how funny the old lady looked making across the kitchen in two steps1 she ran back into the dining room to laugh4 ,illustration3 ,she ran into the dining room to laugh ,i must stop1 she'd say to herself--and the more she'd say it1 the more she'd laugh4 ,this is dreadful1 ,mary ,frances1 she'd scold herself2 but1 oh1 my1 wasn't it funny6--and away she'd go again4 ,at length she ,went back upstairs until ,aunt ,maria called1 ,breakfast6 ,even at the table she couldn't look at ,aunt ,maria without laughing4 ,what's the matter8 asked ,brother4 ,oh1 don't ask me6 ,mary ,frances begged1 hiding her face4 ,she didn't dare go into the kitchen until after her aunt had gone1 for fear of disgracing herself laughing4 ,illustration3 ,to keep from laughing out4 ,illustration ,when she did go out to look up her next lesson in her little book1 ,boiler ,pan walked dolefully up to her1 holding out a piece of sand-paper4 ,he looked so funny with a big black spot on one eye6 ,bowing1 he began to recite3 ,of course1 you never burn your pans1 ,of course1 no more do ,i2 ,but1 should such sad things happen1 ,a piece of this just try4 ,i will6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances2 and in less than a twinkle had rubbed all the burnt spots off4 ,my1--that's better2 thank you1 brightly beamed ,boiler ,pan4 ,mary ,frances sat down on the rocking chair1 and opened her book4 ,tea6 ,omelet6 she exclaimed4 ,isn't that nice6 ,just then came a knock at the kitchen door4 ,illustration3 ,i thought the house was on fire6 she panted4 ,,chapter ,,xii ,,the ,,tramp ,,mary ,,frances peeped out of the open window4 ,a tramp6 ,oh1 dear1--shall ,i open the door8 thought the frightened little girl4 ,please1 ,miss1--the oldest1 hungriest-looking tramp she ever saw looked down at her1 taking off his worn out cap4 ,please1 ,miss--a cup o' tea--anything8 ,i am that tired and faint4 ,he caught hold the railing4 ,tea6--my next lesson6 thought ,mary ,frances4 ,that's easy and quick6 and ,tea ,kettle is just beginning to boil4 ,how awfully cold and hungry the poor man looks6 ,illustration3 ,mary ,frances peeped out of the window ,wait a minute1 she called4 ,i almost know how to make tea1--but ,i'd better look at the recipe4 ,where'd ,i put my book8 ,oh1 here it is1--open to the place1 she spoke softly4 ,illustration3 ,please1 ,miss--a cup o' tea--anything8 ,then she read the directions for making ,,no4 #ab4--,,tea4 #a4 ,half fill the teapot with boiling water4 ,let stand until thoroughly hot4 ,pour out4 #b4 ,put into it #a teaspoon tea for each cup needed4 #c4 ,pour in freshly boiling water1 allowing #a cup to every teaspoon tea4 #d4 ,let stand for #e minutes in a very warm place1 but do not let it boil4 ,stir1 and serve4 ,if not used immediately1 strain into another heated pot4 ,very soon she had filled the largest cup she could find in the closet1 and handed it to the tramp4 ,that's the bonniest cup o' tea ,i've drank for mony a year1 ,miss1 said he4 ,it tastes like the auld country1 shure4 ,illustration3 ,half fill the teapot with boiling water4 ,like the old country6 thought ,mary ,frances4 ,that's the funniest way for anything to taste ,i ever heard of4 ,maybe he's so hungry he's a little bit out of his head4 ,oh1 ,i know what ,i'll do6 ,i'll make an omelet for him6 ,i don't believe he's eaten omelet since--maybe1 since he was as little as ,i am--maybe a hundred years4 ,he looks a hundred years old1 ,i'm sure4 ,i hope ,i have eggs to make one--oh1 yes1 ,i know there are enough4 ,where's the recipe8 ,oh1 here it is6 ,illustration3 ,the largest cup she could find4 ,,no4 #ac4--,,omelet4 ,two eggs to each person4 #a4 ,separate yolks and whites1 putting them into different bowls4 #b4 ,add dash of salt to whites1 and dash of salt and white pepper to yolks4 #c4 ,add cold water to whites1 allowing #a teaspoon to each4 #d4 ,add cold water to yolks1 allowing #a tablespoon to each4 #e4 ,beat both very light4 #f4 ,melt #a tablespoon butter in a smooth frying pan4 #g4 ,pour in yolks4 ,let cook a moment4 #h4 ,spread whites over yolks1 making a little hole in the center for steam to escape4 #i4 ,cook slowly for #e minutes1 or until the puffed up whites look dry4 #aj4 ,fold one half over the other4 #aa4 ,turn out on a warm platter4 #ab4 ,trim with parsley and serve at once4 ,illustration3 ,separate yolks and whites4 ,that's not so easy1 thought the little girl1 but ,i guess ,i can manage it--he'll not be very par-tic-u-lar4 ,but she had very little trouble2 for she read what her mother had written2 and followed each direction exactly1 all the way through the recipe4 ,illustration3 ,the omelet4 ,illustration3 ,blessin's on ye1 ,little ,miss1 said the tramp4 ,blessin's on ye1 ,miss1 said the tramp1 as ,mary ,frances carried the smoking dish out on the porch to him with a slice of bread and butter4 ,you've got a kind heart1 you 'ave1 to be shure4 ,ain't that--whatever it is--a beauty6 ,it is real pretty1 said ,mary ,frances1 feeling quite proud4 ,i just made it for you4 ,i'm learning to cook4 ,my mother's away--and ,i'm here all alone just now except for ,jubey and the ,kitchen ,f---- 7she caught herself just in time74 ,jubey is the kitten1 you know4 ,my lessons just came to ,omelet1 and--why1 what's the matter with it8 she cried1 dismayed4 ,it's all fallen flat6 ,i wonder if ,i got it done4 ,it gets flatter and flatter4 ,the tears sprang to her eyes4 ,i'm so sorry1 she said4 ,illustration3 ,why1 what's the matter with it8 ,oh1 never mind1 ,miss1 said the tramp2 ,i ain't been chooser for mony a day--and this 'ere homelet1 or whatever it is1 will be all right1 all right1--and he hungrily began to eat4 ,it seems to be made out o' nothin'--and yet it is powerful good1 said he between bites1 as it fast disappeared1 much to ,mary ,frances' delight4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 never mind1 ,miss4 ,it's made out of beaten eggs1 said she4 ,first1 you take the eggs and break the shells1 and put the yolks in one bowl and the---- ,why1 ,miss1 ,i know what made it flounder4 ,flounder8 ,flounder8 ',flat as a flounder1' thought ,mary ,frances--he means flatten4 ,what8 she asked eagerly4 ,why1 the breeze6 ,the cool air plays the---- ,mary ,frances6 ,mary ,frances6 ,mary ,frances6 ,illustration3 ,be gone6 ,her father came into the kitchen4 ,who's there8 ,why1 my dear little girl1 what are you doing8 ,i'm--,i've got company1 ,mary ,frances stammered1 not liking to say tramp4 ,that is--,i--oh1 ,father1 this gentleman was so hungry--and ,i---- ,go into the house--and ,i shall see you4 ,be gone6 thundered her father to the tramp1 pointing to the gate4 ,begging pardon1 sir1 said the tramp1 touching his cap1 but may ,i say one word8 ,make it short4 ,illustration3 ,may ,i say one word8 ,i'd do anything for the young lady--not let a 'air o' 'er 'ead be 'urt4 ,please don't be too 'ard on 'er4 ,you may go1 said ,mary ,frances' father4 ,are you hungry yet8 ,oh1 no1 sir1--thank you1 sir1 said the tramp4 ,thanks to 'er4 ,bless 'er little 'eart1 her father heard him murmuring1 as he went out the gate4 ,bless her dear1 loving little heart6 echoed her father4 ,the poor dear 'lamb' should not have been left alone6 ,i thought ,billy was here4 ,but she must have her lesson6 ,going into the kitchen1 he took ,mary ,frances on his knee4 ,dear1 he began gravely1 suppose the old tramp had not had kind thoughts4 ,suppose1 when my little girl opened the door1 he had hurt her1 and had taken mother's nice things1 or had stolen our dear little daughter---- ,illustration3 ,are you hungry yet8 ,illustration3 ,dear1 he began gravely4 ,but1 ,father1 said ,mary ,frances1 he was a lovely gentleman6 ,i feel quite sure he was going to tell me a beautiful story about when he was little--maybe a hundred years ago---- ,illustration ,mary ,frances1 listen1 child6 ,never1 when you are alone1 unlock the door to any man or woman you do not know4 ,understand8 ,yes1 ,father1 said ,mary ,frances2 ,i didn't mean to be bad4 ,no1 dear2 but it would be very naughty indeed for you to do so again4 ,do you promise8 ,yes1 ,father1 said ,mary ,frances1 hiding her face on his shoulder4 ,i'll never1 never do it again1 dear ,father4 99 99 99 99 99 ,humph6 grumbled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 after they had gone into the library1 ,i'd have warned her--only ,i was afraid the tramp gentleman might hear6 ,so would we all of us1 cried the rest of the ,kitchen ,people4 ,illustration3 ,it tastes like the auld country1 shure4 ,,chapter ,,xiii ,,company ,,to ,,lunch ,,mary ,,frances listened at the kitchen door before going in next morning4 ,she wanted to find out what the ,kitchen ,people might be doing4 ,it isn't exactly eavesdropping1 she thought1 although it seems awfully near to it4 ,can't you find it8 somebody was asking4 ,seems to be having trouble1 said ,tea ,pot4 ,of course1 he can't very well find out--being so short and fat1 and having no nose to speak of4 ,well1 ,nosey1 answered ,coffee ,pot1 suppose you try--your nose is long enough to poke into anything6 ,so much the better for me this time1 ,pug ,nose4 ,oh1 say1 stop calling names1 and find out--if you can1 cried ,big ,iron ,pot4 ,i'll bet it's my turn again6 interrupted ,sauce ,pan4 ,now1 see if ,i'm not right4 ,he's peeped already1 declared ,coffee ,pot4 ',deed1 ,i haven't1 very earnestly4 ,illustration3 ,pug ,nose4 ,well1 ,nosey4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 say1 stop calling names4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 yes1 here it is4 ,oh1 say1 ,tea ,pot1 if you're any good1 get to work6 ,see if he's right4 ,can you do it8 ,yes1 replied ,tea ,pot rather breathlessly4 7,it seemed to ,mary ,frances as if he were lifting a heavy weight47 ,yes1 here is the place4 ,somebody else read2 ,i'm too tired4 ,i'll read1 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,what was the last8 ,oh1 yes1 here it is1 just as ,i said6 ,oh1 go 'way6 ,don't let him read1 said ,coffee ,pot2 he'll make it up4 ,read yourself1 then1 ,pug ,nose6 ,then ,coffee ,pot's voice3 ,i declare6 ,he's right6 ,it is his turn again4 ,listen6 ,,no4 #ad4--,,white ,,sauce4 #b tablespoons butter #b tablespoons flour #a cup hot milk #a_/d teaspoon salt dash of pepper #a4 ,melt butter in a sauce pan4 #b4 ,mix pepper and salt with flour4 #c4 ,throw into the butter1 stirring thoroughly4 ,cook until it bubbles a little4 #d4 ,pour #a_/c of the milk very slowly on this1 stirring and beating well4 #e4 ,place over fire and stir in the rest of the milk a little at a time4 #f4 ,let boil a minute4 ,illustration3 ,i declare6 ,he's right6 ,pug ,nose---- ,stop calling names1 said ,iron ,pot4 7,good6 thought ,mary ,frances47 ,honorable ,mr4 ,coffee ,pot1 ,esquire1 said ,sauce ,pan1 mockingly4 7,mary ,frances could easily imagine him bowing47 ,allow me to call your attention to the un-im-peach-able ver-ac-i-ty of myself4 ,crazier and crazier6 commented ,coffee ,pot1 sadly4 ,did you say anything8 ,sir1 said ,sauce ,pan1 to put it into kindergarten words1 ,i remarked1 ,sauce ,pan1 meaning myself1 has rightly been likened to ,george ,washington---- ,illustration3 ,likened to ,george ,washington ,aw--6 puffed ,tea ,kettle1 what ,i'm more interested in is the book4 ,what do they use ,white ,sauce for8 ,there's a foot-note1 ,tea ,pot ventured4 ,read it6 commanded ,tea ,kettle4 ',white ,sauce is very good to pour over cooked vegetables1 like----' ,wait a minute1 interrupted ,tea ,kettle1 perhaps ,sauce ,pan can tell us4 ,illustration3 ,honorable ,mr4 ,coffee ,pot1 ,esquire ,new boiled potatoes1 green cabbage1 etc2 also nice to use for warming over cooked meats1 like cold chicken and canned salmon4 ,both make a nice luncheon dish4 7,fine6 thought ,mary ,frances4 ,there's a can of salmon in the pantry47 ,is that right8 asked ,tea ,kettle4 ,right1 said ,tea ,pot4 ,next is ,,no4 #ae4--;,,baked ,,apples4 #a4 ,wipe large apples4 #b4 ,take out cores with apple corer or sharp knife4 #c4 ,place in earthen or enamel dish4 #d4 ,fill center of each apple with sugar4 #e4 ,pour water into dish1 allowing #b tablespoons to each apple4 #f4 ,bake in a hot oven one half hour1 or until soft4 ,illustration3 ,take out cores4 ,a joyful surprise6 a deep voice seemed to come from the closet4 ,who's that8 asked ,tea ,kettle4 ,oh1 it's ,baking ,dish6--you startled me6 ,although ,i'm not paid proper respect for my years---- went on the deep voice4 ,how old are you1 now1 anyway8 asked ,tea ,kettle4 ,illustration3 ,a joyful surprise6 ,i've been told ,i'm very old-- ,my grandsire was a ,tory-- ,often bought and often sold1 ,but that's another story4 ,what an honor6 snickered ,sauce ,pan4 ,how rude6 said ,coffee ,pot4 ,no1 child1 came the deep voice of ,baking ,dish1 only modern--without reverence for the old and---- ,one--two--three--four--five--six--seven --eight--nine--ten--eleven6 struck in ,mantel ,clock1 very loudly4 ,oh1 my goodness6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances to herself1 it's time to commence lunch4 ,i do thank ,mantel ,clock for reminding me4 ,illustration3 ,struck in ,mantel ,clock very ,loudly4 ,let me see1 said she1 going into the kitchen as if she had just come downstairs1 although she felt very guilty4 ,i must find to-day's lesson4 ,she read quietly for some time1 pretending not to notice that she found the book open with the spout of ,tea ,pot lying against one of the pages4 ,illustration3 ,lying against one of the pages4 ,i can make ,white ,sauce in a jiffy1 and ,i'll heat some canned salmon in it1 she exclaimed1 picking up ,sauce ,pan quite carelessly4 ,he needs a lesson1 and ,i don't need his help1 she thought4 ,i'll treat him quite in-dif-fer-ent-ly4 ,the salmon ought to have been opened an hour or two ago1 said a sharp little voice4 ,mary ,frances looked around to see who her new helper could be1 but could discover no one4 ,how do you know8 she asked1 more to find out who was speaking than to gain information4 ,who'd know better8 came the little voice1 so sharp it was little more than a squeak4 ,i'm ,can ,opener6 ,illustration3 ,who'd know better8 ,oh1 so you are6 cried ,mary ,frances1 spying him4 ,i'm glad to see you4 ,now1 why open the salmon an hour ago8 ,all canned goods ought to be opened an hour or two before needed1 and turned out1 explained ,can ,opener1 to get well aired4 ,thank you1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i'll open the salmon right away--then see to the apples--then the ,white ,sauce4 ,illustration3 ,the apples ,she had only just finished the ,white ,sauce1 when the door-bell rang4 ,she stopped to take the ,baked ,apples out of the oven1 before answering4 ,it was ,billy with ,robert and ,eleanor who lived down the street4 ,hello1 ,sister1 said ,billy1 ,i told you ,i'd bring company home to lunch some day4 ,anything ready8 ,by good luck1 ,billy1 yes1 said ,mary ,frances1 kissing ,eleanor1 and taking her coat and hat1 while ,billy did the same for ,robert4 ,i know now why ,mother likes ,father to telephone when he's bringing home company to dinner1 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,oh1 don't you worry1 folks1 said ,billy1 everything'll be all right4 ,that's the highest compliment a boy can pay1 ,mary ,frances1 you know1 said ,eleanor4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i wish ,i could cook1 she sighed1 when ,mary ,frances dished the dessert of ,baked ,apples1 and the three praised everything on the table4 ,i wish you could1 ,sis1 exclaimed ,robert4 ,maybe some day ,i'll teach you some of the things ,i can make1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,oh1 ,mary ,frances1 will you8 cried ,eleanor4 ,if your mother says so1 nodded ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,it was ,billy with ,robert ,illustration3 and ,eleanor4 ,illustration ,i know she will1 declared ,eleanor4 ,she hates to cook1 but she'll let me learn4 ,she never goes into the kitchen if she can help it4 ,and no wonder4 ,our kitchen is an awful place to go into1 ,maggie is so cross4 ,she wouldn't let me try4 ,pity the poor ,kitchen ,people1 thought ,mary ,frances4 ,oh1 we'll have fun6 she said aloud4 ,when will you want me to come8 ,eleanor asked4 ,some time1 when ,i get near the end of my book1 ,i'll let you know4 ,won't that be lovely6 ,i'll bring my own bowl and spoon4 ,illustration3 ,i'll read1 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,what was the last8 ,,chapter ,,xiv ,a ,,patent ,,dish-,,washing ,,oh1 my6 sighed ,mary ,frances1 gazing at the great pile of dirty dishes on the kitchen table1 where she had carried them after the company had gone4 ,oh1 my1 cooking is fun--but washing dishes is another thing4 ,i'm 'most tired enough to drop1--and there must be a hundred dishes to do6 ,i'm glad ,tea ,kettle is full of hot water4 ,bubble6 ,bubble6 ,piff6 ,piff6 puffed ,tea ,kettle1 mys-ter-i-ous-ly smiling as though he knew something was about to happen4 ,mary ,frances couldn't see anything very pleasing with so much of a task before her4 ,she put the large dish pan on the table and poured in the water1 whirling the soap around in it several times to make it a little sudsy4 ,then she sat down to rest4 ,really1 ,i didn't know ,i was so tired1 she thought2 maybe my age is telling on me the way ,aunt ,maria says6 ,illustration3 ,bubble6 ,bubble6 ,piff6 ,piff6 ,her weary little head began to nod1 and she was soon fast asleep4 ,she hadn't been asleep long before she was aroused by a great racket4 ,click1 clack6 ,click-ety-clack6 ,splash6 ,come1 she said to herself1 rather sharply1 ,i do believe you've been asleep1 ,mary ,frances6 ,you'd better get to work1 child4 ,click6 ,clack6 ,again came the sound4 ,with her sleepy lids half open she glanced toward the table1 and such a sight she never saw6 ,she sat up with mouth and eyes wide open1 but nobody paid any attention to her4 ,there were the dishes jumping higgledy-piggledy1 pell-mell into the dish pan4 ,first a cup1 followed by a saucer1 then a spoon1 followed by a fork4 ,make room for me1 cried ,platter1 diving in head first4 ,look out1 or you'll chip me1 cried ,tea ,cup1 tumbling out on the other side of the pan4 ,i'm next6 a big dinner plate splashed in kerplunk4 ,illustration3 ,click1 clack6 ,click-ety-clack6 ,splash6 ,mary ,frances couldn't say a word--she was so afraid they might break their heads4 ,ouw6 this is hot6 screamed ,little ,pitcher4 ,all the other ,kitchen ,people were looking on and laughing4 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin was rocking to and fro1 laughing so hard the tears were rolling down her cheeks4 ,when ,yellow ,bowl bounced into the water1 ,chase yourself6 cried ,soup ,ladle1 making hard after4 ,in less time than it takes to tell1 the dishes were all clean1 and had piled themselves up neatly on the table4 ,then ,mary ,frances realized what had happened4 ,that was a patent dish-washing1 she said4 ,i don't want you to do that often4 ,i was afraid my mother's china would be broken all to pieces6 ,but ,i am very much obliged1 this time1 ,i'm sure4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,there were the dishes jumping higgledy-piggledy1 pell-mell into the dish pan4 ,,chapter ,,xv ,,thimble ,,biscuits ,,mary ,,frances carried all her dolls to the window seat in her room1 and placed them in a row4 ,then she held up an envelope4 ,misses ,angelina1 ,marie1 ,cosette1 ,lady ,gay1 ,peg1 ,master ,alfonso1 why1 listen6 ,here's a letter come for you4 ,what can it be8 ,pay very strict 'tention while ,i read it4 ,if you'd gone to school every day ,i've been so busy1 perhaps you could read it yourselves2 but1 of course1 when my hands are so full1 ,i can't possibly get you off1 and you are so helpless4 ,aren't you 'shamed8 ,i think--yes1 ,i think you all look ashamed except ,peg4 ,if you don't look ashamed in one minute1 ,peg1--just one minute ,i'll give you1--you sha'n't hear this6 ,there1 that will do6 ,you needn't cry1 dear child6 ,now1 ,i'll read4 ,mary ,frances cut open the envelope4 ,every doll looked deeply interested except poor ,peg who had fallen on her side4 ,why1 it's an invitation to a ,dolls' ,party6 ,listen6 ,illustration3 ,it's an invitation to a ,dolls' ,party4 ,illustration3 ,poor ,peg1 who had fallen on her side4 ,illustration3 ,my dear ,dollies3 ,may ,i have the pleasure of your company at a ,doll's ,kitchen ,party this afternoon at three o'clock8 ,your loving 7,mistress7 ,mary ,frances4 ,p4,s4 ,anyone coming late will be fined a pink riblon4 ,in case she has'nt a pink riblon her hair will be pulled4 ,m4 ,f4 ,illustration3 ,of course you'll wear your dress suit4 ,now1 dears1 ,mary ,frances smiled upon them1 no wonder you look surprised2 for that's a grand invitation1 all written out on real paper4 ,i had an awful time getting it to sound right4 ,i'm not sure that it is just exactly correct yet4 ,so we'll get dressed right away4 ,now don't all ask at once what you'll wear4 ,yes1 ,fonsey1 of course you'll wear your dress suit4 ,what of it if it isn't proper to wear it until after six o'clock8 ,you have only your work clothes and that suit and you'll have to wear your best4 ,everybody was quiet and good as gold while ,mary ,frances finished dressing them4 ,there1 she said to herself1 the last sash is tied4 ,goodness1 ,i'm tired--tired-er than if ,i'd been cooking the whole morning6 ,aren't dolls stupid compared with ,kitchen ,folks8 ,i do wonder what the ,kitchen ,folks will do4 ,will they talk before them8 ,illustration3 ,looking very anxious and excited4 ,now1 you dolls1 be good1 and take a nap1 she warned1 so that you won't be sleepy at the party4 ,i must go and get ready4 99 99 99 99 99 ,as she tied on her apron in the kitchen1 she noticed ,aunty ,rolling ,pin looked very anxious and excited4 ,she couldn't seem to keep still1 but kept rolling to and fro1 watching ,mary ,frances' every motion4 ,well1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin8 said ,mary ,frances4 ,did you1 or did you not1 please1 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 mention ',biscuits' this morning8 ,i guess ,i did1 replied ,mary ,frances1 when ,i glanced at my book4 ,here1 ,i'll read it out3 ,illustration3 #a_/b cup milk ,,no4 #af4--,,thimble ,,biscuits4 7,nice for ,dolls' ,tea ,party47 #a cup flour #b teaspoons baking powder #a tablespoon butter #a_/b cup milk 7scant7 #a_/d teaspoon salt #a4 ,a hot oven and a greased pan4 #b4 ,sift flour1 baking powder and salt three times4 #c4 ,rub butter lightly into the flour4 #d4 ,pour the milk on gradually1 mixing all the while with a knife1 until a soft dough is formed4 7,perhaps not all the milk will be needed47 #e4 ,turn the dough on a well-floured board4 #f4 ,pat it with the rolling pin until #a_/d inch thick4 #g4 ,use a large thimble as a cutter1 and cut biscuits as close to each other as possible4 #h4 ,place in pan a little distance apart4 #i4 ,bake about #e minutes4 ,illustration3 ,did you mention ',biscuits' this morning8 ,,no4 #ag4--;,,baking ,,powder ,,biscuits4 #a4 ,make exactly the same as ,thimble ,biscuits 7,no4 #af71 only pat the dough out about three-quarters of an inch thick4 ,prick with a fork4 #b4 ,cut with a biscuit cutter1 and place in pan1 a little distance apart4 #c4 ,bake in a quick oven from #ab to #ad minutes4 ,ever make any biscuits1 child8 ,no1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 but ,i believe ,i can with your help1 if you'll be so kind4 ',deed ,i will1 child4 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin gave a delighted chuckle4 ,i've been waiting patiently for the chance4 ,illustration3 ',deed ,i will1 child4 ,i'm going to give a ,dolls' ,kitchen ,party1 ,aunty4 ,ah1 ,i'm glad you told me1 child2 that makes everything more important than ever4 ,so1 as you gather together the things you'll need1 you can listen--ahem6--to ,aunty ,rolling ,pin's ,wisdom4 ,you know about 'most everything6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i'd be much obliged to you for any other hints during the rest of my lessons4 ,i'll be glad to help1 child1 said ,aunty4 ,illustration3 ,baking ,powder ,biscuits4 ,mother expected to explain everything to me1 you see---- ,yes1 yes1 child1 smiled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 seeing ,mary ,frances looked sad2 but ,i see you have sifted the flour and baking powder and salt into a bowl and poured it back4 ,instead of using a bowl1 it's a good idea to use a piece of heavy paper4 ,when this is folded funnel-like1 the flour can readily be poured into the sifter again and again4 ,that certainly is easier1 said ,mary ,frances1 putting the hint to practice4 ,illustration3 ,poured into the sifter again and again ,in order to get the baking powder into every bit of the flour1 they should be sifted together three times4 ,now1 ,i see you are working the butter into the flour4 ,rub lightly with your finger tips4 ,that's it--pour the milk gradually1 mix well--the dough should be almost sticky1 but not too soft to handle4 ,now it's my turn1 she chuckled1 as ,mary ,frances turned the dough on a well-floured board4 ,but if you are going to make ,thimble ,biscuits1 one half of the dough is enough to pat out for them---- ,and ,i can make the rest into real biscuits6 ,what a splendid idea6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,turned the dough on a well-floured board4 ,wonder if the handles are her ears1 she thought1 softly patting the dough with ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,as she bent over1 she caught the sound of singing1 and this is the song ,aunty ,rolling ,pin sang3 ,roly-poly1 roly-poly1 ,to and fro1 ,roly-poly1 roly poly1 ,o'er the dough4 ,round as an apple1 ,straight as a rule2 ,guess who ,i am ,or ,i'll send you to ---- ,illustration3 ,as she bent over she caught the sound of singing4 ,where8 she asked suddenly stopping4 ,mary ,frances jumped4 ,she had been rolling ,aunty ,rolling ,pin to and fro1 unconsciously keeping time with her song4 ,where8 she again demanded1 her mouth full of flour4 ,dear me1 answered ,mary ,frances1 ,i don't know4 ,school1 of course1 laughed ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 ,i thought you'd surely know4 ,illustration3 ,roly-poly1 roly-poly1 to and fro4 ,oh1 yes1 of course1 laughed ,mary ,frances2 ,cooking ,school4 ,certainly1 child1 laughed ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,to what other school could you go to learn about me8 ,that's beautiful poetry1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i think so1 smiled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 ,i made it up myself4 ,it's so floury1 you know1 blowing the white dust in the air4 ,illustration3 ,tee-hee1 giggled ,mary ,frances4 ,tee-hee1 giggled ,mary ,frances4 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin looked offended4 ,excuse me1 said ,mary ,frances1 you mean 'flowery4' ,i mean what ,i say1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 isn't that what ,i said8 ,as it certainly was what she said1 and ,mary ,frances didn't like to explain1 she hastily turned to her work4 ,it didn't take long to cut the biscuits1 as she had often helped her mother in baking4 ,she knew how to dip the cutter each time into flour1 that the dough might not stick4 ,she used the large thimble she had brought down from the sewing room in the same way as she had used the biscuit cutter4 ,illustration3 ,it didn't take long to cut the biscuits4 ,aren't they too sweet6 she cried delightedly1 as she laid the tiny biscuits side by side1 but not touching1 in the little baking pan4 ,with the rest of the dough1 she had made three larger ones4 ,one for each of the family1 she said1 slipping them with the ,thimble ,biscuits into the oven4 ,let me see what's next4 ,oh1 yes1 the cocoa4 ,i do declare1 it's little ,sauce ,pan's turn again4 ,no wonder he's puffed up1 she thought4 ,strange1 he hasn't said a word4 ,i'm 'most sure ,i have to use ,sauce ,pan4 ,perhaps he doesn't understand4 ,i'll read aloud3 ,,no4 #ah4--;,,cocoa4 ,for each cup3 #a tablespoon cocoa #a tablespoon sugar #a_/b cup boiling water #a_/b cup milk #a4 ,heat milk4 #b4 ,mix cocoa and sugar4 #c4 ,pour boiling water on them gradually1 making a smooth paste4 #d4 ,add the milk1 and cook a half minute4 #e4 ,beat with an egg beater4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 yes1 the cocoa4 99 99 99 99 99 ,silence4 ,illustration3 ,don't bother me4 ,sauce ,pan6 one of the ,kitchen ,people near him whispered loudly1 ,sauce ,pan6 ,why don't you speak8 ,illustration ,don't bother me4 ,i'm asleep1 muttered ,sauce ,pan drowsily1 sound asleep6 ,mary ,frances gasped4 ,what 'n awful story6 exclaimed the one who had first spoken4 ,you're not very polite to question my word to my very face1 ,sauce ,pan retorted angrily4 ,now1 if someone else had told you1 that would have been different2 then you'd had some excuse4 ,come1 thought ,mary ,frances1 that's too silly6 ,i'll put an end to this4 ,i don't need any help with this simple recipe4 ,seizing ,sauce ,pan quite carelessly1 she quickly made the cocoa4 ,illustration3 ,mary ,frances carried all her dolls to the window seat in her room4 ,,chapter ,,xvi ,,the ,,dolls' ,,kitchen ,,party ,,now1 everything is ready1 she said1 glancing carefully at the table she had set with her little dishes2 ,i'll go up and bring the dolls4 ,wait a minute1 ,mary ,frances1 she added after a moment's pause4 ,let's see if everything is ready4 ,there's ,thimble ,biscuits ,jam ,cocoa ,better look in the oven6 ,illustration3 ,better look in the oven6 ,oh1 my1 ,i'm glad you 'thought me1' ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 cried ,mary ,frances1 opening the oven door4 ,oh1 dear me6 ,most of the ,thimble ,biscuits are burnt up and the big ones are just done1 ,i guess6 ,the thicker things are1 the 'slower' the oven1 child4 ,the thinner1 the hotter the oven---- ,illustration3 ,oh1 dear me6 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 cried ,mary ,frances1 not realizing she had interrupted1 there are enough ,thimble ,biscuits not burnt to go 'round4 ,isn't that good8 ,and the dolls can't make themselves sick with them4 ,it's not much of a waste1 smiled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 and 7seeming to be seriously thinking7 the dolls can't make themselves sick on them--eating too many1 ,i suppose4 ,illustration3 ,you see it's like this ,well1 said ,mary ,frances1 you see1 it's like this3 ,when ,i my dolls invite to tea1 ,it is a pretty sight to see ,the things one seldom gets to eat ,all on the table spread1 so sweet2 ,but to my dollies ,i explain1 ,don't eat too much--you'll have a pain4 ,then1 just to save them such a trial1 ,i let them sit and look a while ,at cakes1 and tarts1 and candies1 too4 ,then eat them up myself--wouldn't you8 ,for thus they're saved from being ill1 ,and ,i1 likewise1 a doctor's bill4 ,but--just between you1 dear1 and me-- ,they couldn't eat at all1 you see4 ,illustration3 ,dolls can't make themselves sick4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,doll',s ,,kitchen ,,party ,and away ran ,mary ,frances to bring the dolls4 99 99 99 99 99 ,it was a lovely ,tea ,party1 wasn't it1 ,angie8 sighed ,mary ,frances1 putting her family to bed after it was all over4 ,illustration3 ,after it was all over4 ,and you did 'behave a credit' to your mother4 ,i feel sure now you will remember all ,i've taught you4 ,not one of you would eat soup from the point of a spoon1 nor spread a whole slice of bread at once1 nor leave your spoon in your cup1 which is a great comfort to a mother4 ,only ,peg1 you poor child1 you should not have spilled that cocoa down your best dress4 ,but ',children will be children1' ,i 'spose--and you're very dear children4 7,i wouldn't have them1 for the world1 jealous of the ,kitchen ,people--and ,i've neglected them shamefully of late47 99 99 99 99 99 ,i'm not much taken with those things called 'dolls1' ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 said ,sauce ,pan1 seating himself on the edge of the top closet-shelf1 and crossing one leg over his knee4 ,they're not much use4 ,illustration3 ,they're not much use4 ,ah1 sighed ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 looking wise1 a doll's a doll1 for all that4 ,illustration3 ,a doll's no good boiled6 ,of course1 said ,sauce ,pan1 but a doll's no good boiled6 ,well1 no1 admitted ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 the best1 of course1 are baked of ,,no4 #ai4--;,,gingerbread ,,cookies4 #a_/b cup molasses #b tablespoons butter #b tablespoons lard flour #a_/b tablespoon ginger #a_/b teaspoon salt #a_/b teaspoon baking soda #a tablespoon warm water #a4 ,warm the molasses4 #b4 ,put the butter and lard in a bowl4 ,pour over them the molasses4 #c4 ,dissolve soda in the warm water4 ,add to the molasses4 #d4 ,sift ginger1 salt and #a_/b cup flour together4 #e4 ,sift into the molasses1 beating well4 ,if necessary1 add more flour to make a soft dough4 #f4 ,grease a shallow pan4 #g4 ,roll the dough out #a_/c inch thick4 #h4 ,cut out with a little round cutter1 dipping it into flour each time4 ,place cookies some distance apart on the pan4 ,bake about #aj minutes4 ,,note4--,instead of rolling out1 little spoonfuls may be dropped far apart on the pan and flattened with the bottom of a round tin cup4 ,illustration3 ,the best1 of course1 are baked4 ,then you---- ,illustration ,oh1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 nobody's doing a lesson4 ,besides1 after it's baked it's done6 cried ,sauce ,pan impatiently4 ,so'm ,i6 smiled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,illustration3 ,it was a lovely ,tea ,party1 wasn't it ,angie8 ,,chapter ,,xvii ,,the ,,sick ,,neighbor ,,mary ,,ann ,,hooper is very ailing1 said ,aunt ,maria at the lunch table4 ,she had invited the children over to lunch that day4 ,she needs nourishment more than anything else1 ,i should say4 ,that cook she has can't make a decent thing4 ,no wonder she's weak6 ,illustration3 ,mary ,ann ,hooper is very ailing4 ,if only1 thought ,mary ,frances1 if only ,i could cook something for her6 ,wait until ,i look in my book4 ,i wonder if she could eat to-day's lesson4 ,she laughed aloud--that seemed so funny4 ,well1 snapped ,aunt ,maria1 of all things2 to laugh at a poor sick neighbor in such a pre-dic-a-ment4 ,mary ,frances blushed1 but she didn't say anything4 ,after lunch1 she started home as soon as possible4 ,once in the house1 she ran to the kitchen for her book4 ,of all things6 ,as ,aunt ,maria would say1 she cried1 it comes next6 ,illustration3 ,of all things6 ,,no4 #bj4--,,soft ,,custard4 #a cup milk #a egg #b tablespoons sugar dash of salt nutmeg #a4 ,heat the milk smoking hot4 #b4 ,beat egg4 ,add sugar and salt4 #c4 ,pour the hot milk on1 beating well4 #d4 ,pour into upper part of double boiler1 or set pan in boiling water4 #e4 ,cook until it thickens1 or until a coating will be formed on a clean spoon when dipped into the custard4 #f4 ,sprinkle with a few gratings of nutmeg4 #g4 ,serve cold4 ,illustration3 ,soft ,custard ,how perfectly lovely6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances2 ,i'll make soft custard for ,mary ,ann ,hooper4 ,but that isn't very much4 ,oh1 isn't this too good8 ,i can serve it on the next recipe4 ,it's ,,no4 #ba4--,,steamed ,,rice4 #a_/b cup rice #b cups boiling water #a_/b teaspoon salt #a4 ,wash rice4 ,this may be easily done by putting in a strainer and shaking in a pan of cold water4 #b4 ,put with the salt and boiling water1 into the upper part of a double boiler4 #c4 ,pour boiling water into lower part1 and cook #a hour4 ,illustration3 ,steamed rice #d4 ,to test whether it is done1 press several grains between the fingers4 ,if not perfectly soft1 cook longer4 #e4 ,if it becomes hard and dry1 add a little boiling water from time to time4 #f4 ,a few raisins are sometimes cooked with the rice4 ,add these during the last fifteen minutes of cooking to prevent discoloring4 #g4 ,serve with soft custard or cream and sugar4 ,plain cooked rice may be served as a vegetable4 ,illustration3 ,drain through a colander4 ,,no4 #bb4--;,,boiled ,,rice4 ,use a plain boiler and a large quantity of salted boiling water4 #a_/b cup rice #e cups boiling water #a_/b teaspoon salt #a4 ,wash rice by putting it in a strainer and shaking in a pan of water4 #b4 ,drop a few grains at a time into boiling water1 stirring well to prevent sticking4 #c4 ,boil rapidly #be minutes1 or until soft when pressed between the fingers4 #d4 ,drain through a colander4 ,pour over it #b cups boiling water4 #e4 ,set in a warm place to dry off1 until ready to serve4 ,yes1 said ,mary ,frances1 putting the rice on to boil1 ,i'll make both4 ,oh1 won't ,mary ,ann ,hooper be pleased6 ,illustration3 ,use a plain boiler4 ,who's that8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,a new kind of cooking pan8 ,no1 no1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 laughed ,mary ,frances2 she's an old lady who is sick4 ,aunt ,maria told me about her at lunch4 ,she's such a funny old lady4 ,it isn't funny to be ill1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,no1 answered ,mary ,frances1 seriously1 but ,i meant she does such funny things3 ,last summer1 she told ,elvin ,phelps if he didn't keep his bees from stealing honey out of her flowers1 she'd shoot them--she 7oh1 dear67--wanted--him--to tie each one--by his hind leg--to keep--them--home--oh1 dear1 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,what did he do8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 anxiously4 ,he told her 7excuse my laughing--but it's so funny67 he would rather--put a ',no ,trespassing' sign up in her garden for them to read6 ,ho-ho6 ,tee-hee4 ,mary ,frances shook with laughter4 ,silence in the kitchen until ,mary ,frances felt a tug at her tug at her dress4 ,looking down1 she spied ,toaster ,man4 ,illustration3 ,a sign for them to read ,illustration3 ,she spied ,toaster ,man4 ,yes1 you may speak1 she smiled4 ,thank you1--,i don't like to suggest1 but a ,dropped ,egg on ,toast would---- ,be grand6 finished ,mary ,frances4 ,i'm sure ,i saw that recipe2 yes1 this is it6 ,,no4 #bc4--,,poached ,,eggs4 #a4 ,put a pint 7#b cups7 boiling water into a shallow pan4 ,add #a_/b teaspoon salt4 #b4 ,break egg in a saucer4 #c4 ,whirl the water 'round and 'round with a spoon1 and draw pan back on stove where it will simmer1 but not boil hard4 #d4 ,slip the egg into the whirling water4 #e4 ,cook until the white is coated over the top4 #f4 ,serve on toast4 ,,note4--,it is best to cook only one egg at a time4 ,illustration3 ,ready6 ,ready6 hummed ,tea ,kettle4 ,ready6 exclaimed ,sauce ,pan1 and ,mary ,frances poured the hot water4 ,ready6 cried ,toaster ,man1 and ,mary ,frances made the toast4 ,oh6 cried the little girl suddenly1 her fingers crushing through the eggshell1 what a shame6 ,illustration3 ,ready6 ,ready6 ,a sharp rap with a knife and a quick pull with the thumbs1 somebody said4 ,thank you1 smiled ,mary ,frances1 too busy to discover who was her helper4 ,very soon she had lifted the poached egg with ,per-for-at-ed ,skimmer on the piece of toast4 ,when she had arranged the tray1 she brought it out for the ,kitchen ,people to see4 ,she had used her mother's daintiest china plates1 and had scattered violets here and there over the cloth4 ,beau-ti-ful6 they exclaimed in one voice1 as though that was all that could be said2 but this is what ,mary ,frances heard as she closed the door3 ,wish ,i could eat1 sighed ,toaster ,man4 ,i know ,jube'll want some of that1 he added after a moment4 ,that cat can eat any time of day6 ,i envy her appetite4 ,humph6 exclaimed ,sauce ,pan1 ,jube won't get any of that4 ,this time ,jube'll get ,illustration ,illustration3 ,a ,,great ,,big ,,round ,,piece ,o' ,,nothing6 ,,chapter ,,xviii ,a ,,man',s ,,lunch ,,mother writes that she is so glad you are giving ,billy such good lunches1 said ,father1 looking up from his letter4 ,i've been waiting a long time for an invitation to lunch1 little daughter4 ,do you know1 ,i'll be quite jealous of ,billy if my turn doesn't come soon6 ,oh1 ,father1 ,mary ,frances begged1 won't you come to-morrow8 ,i didn't think you could get away from the store1--and ,i don't know so very much to cook4 ,thank you1 ,miss ,mary ,frances1 ,i'll be most happy to lunch with you to-morrow1 said ,father1 in a real so-ci-e-ty tone4 ,illustration3 ,thank you1 ,miss ,mary ,frances4 ,when ,mary ,frances went into the kitchen next morning1 she said3 ,i guess ,i'll make the dessert first2 rice pudding is good cold4 ,illustration3 ,it is ex-cel-lent cold4 ,it is ex-cel-lent cold1 spoke the deep voice of ,baking ,dish1 es-pec-i-ally if made by ,,no4 #bd4--,,rice ,,pudding4 #c tablespoons rice #a_/d cup sugar #a_/h teaspoon salt sprinkling nutmeg #d cups milk1 or #c cups milk and #a cup water #a4 ,pick over the rice1 and wash by putting in a strainer and shaking in a pan of water4 #b4 ,butter the baking dish4 #c4 ,stir rice1 sugar and salt into the milk4 #d4 ,pour into the baking dish4 #e4 ,sprinkle with nutmeg4 #f4 ,cover with a lid1 and bake slowly #b hours4 #g4 ,uncover and brown #a_/b hour4 ,,note4--,seeded raisins may be added before browning4 ,if desired1 a thin narrow shaving of the outside rind of a lemon may be used as flavoring4 ,put this in the milk with the rice4 ,why1 thank you1 ,baking ,dish1 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,will you kindly say it over slowly8 ,i'll do it then1 keeping time with your directions4 ,this he did1 and as ,mary ,frances slipped him into the oven1 ,i'm sure this will be good1 he said2 ,i can always tell4 ,illustration3 ,i'm sure this will be good ,i'm very glad1 said ,mary ,frances1 gratefully4 ,now for the ,boiled ,mutton1 she said4 ,i guess1 ,iron ,pot1 you can tell me about that4 ,illustration3 ,slipped him into the oven4 ,yes1 ma'am1 said ,iron ,pot1 importantly climbing from the shelf1 and eying critically the piece of meat ,mary ,frances had placed on the table4 ,that's a pretty nice cut of meat--pretty nice4 ,it will be all right to cook it as ,i will tell you4 ,but1 really1 mutton is less greasy if it is boiled long enough before needed to let the gravy cool4 ,take off the cake of fat which will form on the top when cold4 ,of course1 take the meat out as soon as it is tender1 and after 'skimming' the gravy1 put it in again to re-heat4 ,i haven't time6 said ,mary ,frances1 anxiously4 ,you can put yours in a bowl1 and stand the bowl in ice water to cool the liquor quickly1 and do the same thing that way1 now---- ,you give the recipe8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,iron ,pot looked pleased1 and began3 ,,no4 #be4--;,,boiled ,,mutton4 ,about #c pounds rack of mutton or yearling4 #a4 ,wipe with a damp cloth4 #b4 ,pour #c cups boiling water into a large pot4 #c4 ,throw in #b peeled onions4 #d4 ,put in the meat4 ,cover4 #e4 ,boil #aj minutes4 ,illustration3 ,stand the bowl in ice water4 ,illustration3 ,iron ,pot looked pleased4 #f4 ,draw pot to back of stove where it will simmer1 or just bubble1 until meat is tender when tried with a fork1 which will be in about #a-a_/b hours4 #g4 ,take out the meat4 #h4 ,skim off the fat from the surface of the liquor2 or if there is time1 cool1 and remove the hardened fat4 ,correct6 exclaimed ,sauce ,pan1 bending over ,mary ,frances' book4 ,and the gravy is made---- ,saucy6 began ,iron ,pot1 in a boiling rage2 but he suddenly stopped1 as ,mary ,frances shook her finger at him4 ,illustration3 ,saucy6 ,it's all right this time1 she said4 ,it is your place1 ,sauce ,pan---- ,it is my place1 said ,sauce ,pan1 trying not to let ,iron ,pot see how pleased he was to tell about ,,no4 #bf4--,,sauce ,,or ,,gravy ,,for ,,boiled ,,mutton4 #a4 ,after cooling and skimming off the fat1 measure the water in which the meat was boiled4 #b4 ,to each cupful1 allow #a tablespoon flour1 #a_/d teaspoon salt1 #a_/b teaspoon vinegar4 #c4 ,moisten these with a little cold water4 #d4 ,stir them into the boiling gravy4 #e4 ,add #a tablespoon finely minced parsley4 ,illustration3 ,correct6 exclaimed ,sauce ,pan4 ,thank you both1 my friends1 said ,mary ,frances1 lifting ,iron ,pot4 ,my1 but you're heavy6 ',tis true1 said ,iron ,pot1 sadly1 all my old-fashioned friends1 like ,iron ,tea ,kettle--glancing toward the new ,tea ,kettle--and ,caldron1 are gone4 ,but1 he added1 brightening up1 it has been proved that for boiling meats1 no modern 'light-weights' could 'do them up so brown6' ,we'll prove it again1 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,i do believe ,i'll have a splendid lunch for ,father--a regular big man's lunch4 ,listen6 ,boiled ,mutton ,parsley ,sauce ,boiled ,potatoes ,rice ,pudding ,coffee ,illustration3 ,a splendid lunch for ,father4 ,and now ,i'll set the table6 ,i think ,i'll use the very best silver1 and the prettiest dishes--it will please father1 ,i know4 ,this is the way ,mary ,frances set the table for her father and ,billy's lunch4 ,mary ,frances sat in her mother's place4 ,illustration3 ,my1 but you're heavy6 ,illustration3 #a4 ,fork #b4 ,knife #c4 ,spoon #d4 ,tumbler #e4 ,butter pattie #f4 ,napkin #g4 ,platter for boiled ,mutton #h4 ,vegetable ,dish for ,potatoes #i4 ,holder for ,rice ,pudding ,dish #aj4 ,tray for ,coffee ,pot1 and cups1 ,saucers1 sugar bowl and cream pitcher #aa4 ,flowers #ab4 ,salt and pepper shakers ,a4 ,father's ,place ,b4 ,billy's ,place ,c4 ,mary ,frances' ,place ,just as ,mary ,frances was finishing getting the lunch1 the 'phone bell rang and ,billy answered4 ,this is what ,mary ,frances heard3 ,hello6 -------- ,yes6 -------- ,too bad1 ,father1 can't you8 -------- ,well1 ,i'll tell her1 but ,i hate to1 awfully4 ,she's been hard at work all the morning4 -------- ,i8--,oh1 ,i attended to the fire for her1 then went upstairs to make those drawings4 -------- ,oh1 yes2 ,i'll look after her1 all right4 -------- ,yes1 she is--a regular 'brick6' -------- ,all right4 ,good-bye6 -------- ,sis6 ,illustration3 ,hello6 ,i know1 ,billy1 ,mary ,frances sobbed4 ,i know6--,father can't come1 and everything is ready4 ,oh1 dear6 ,oh1 oh1--de--ar6 ,oh1 ,i say1 ,sister1 said ,billy2 ,i'll pretend ,i'm ,father--won't that do8 ,and--oh1 yes6 ,i'll show you how to fold a napkin into ',cinderella's slipper6' ,where did you learn how8 ,mary ,frances began to dry her tears4 ,not on land1 and not on sea ,did this knowledge come to me4 ,when ,i learned1 ,i had on my hat-- ,where was ,i8 ,now1 riddle me that8 99 99 99 99 99 ,no1 lady fair1 not up in the air-- ,on a boat in the river4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 dear6 ,oh1 oh1--de--ar6 ,silly ,billy6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,please show me the trick now1 will you8 ,yes1 said ,billy1 and then ,i'll eat ,father's share1 as well as mine1 of a very 'grand' lunch--if my nose isn't deceiving me4 ,well1 said ,mary ,frances1 that will help some2 but please fold the napkin4 ,and ,billy showed her this3 ,illustration3 ,i'll show you how to fold a napkin4 ,illustration3 #a4 ,fold napkin twice1 making it fourfold4 ,make crease through the center1 as shown in ,figure ,i #b4 ,fold each end along dotted line in ,figure ,i over to center crease4 ,then the napkin will be in the form of ,figure ,,ii #c4 ,fold napkin again along dotted line in ,figure ,,ii over to center4 ,then it will look like ,figure ,,iii #d4 ,fold the napkin together along center crease1 bring one side exactly over the other4 ,then the napkin will look like ,figure ,,iv #e4 ,fold one side along dotted line in ,figure ,,iv1 turning end under1 and bringing it up as shown in ,figure ,v #f4 ,fold along dotted line in ,figure ,v1 bringing point a over to meet letter b4 ,then the napkin will look like ,figure ,,vi #g4 ,tuck the end ,a into opening ,a-,b1 folding along dotted line in ,figure ,,vi1 and stand slipper as in ,figure ,,vii4 ,fold back and spread open the top1 into which slip candy or flowers ,mary ,frances was so pleased with the ,cinderella's slipper that she folded all the napkins on the lunch table4 ,looks like a hotel table1 said ,billy4 ,well1 ,billy1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i know fancy folded napkins aren't so nice for home--but you don't mind4 ,indeed1 no1 said ,billy2 ,i feel proud4 99 99 99 99 99 ,while they were at lunch there came a knock and a boy from the store handed in a box of candy and a little note addressed to ,miss ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,a box of candy and a little note ,ahem1 said ,billy1 as ,mary ,frances opened the box1 and offered him some candy since ,father couldn't come1 he sent a sweet guest in his place4 ,it isn't very nice to eat up your guest1 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,mary ,frances1 asked ,billy1 what's better than a cream chocolate8 ,two cream chocolates1 ,i guess1 said ,mary ,frances1 passing the box--but1 ,billy1 listen3 ,illustration3 ,what's better than a cream chocolate8 ,dear ,miss ,mary ,frances3 ,my little girls disappointment in not having her father to lunch today can scarcely equal his4 ,a very wicked man came on business from a long distance and prevented me from being4 ,hungrily yours1 ,father ,p4,s4--,please accept candy with my love4 ,the third of ,september4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xix ,,poor ,,blue ,,pitcher ,,why1 said ,mary ,frances1 looking over her book next morning at the breakfast table1 to-day's lesson is so easy ,i think it would be just the time to invite ,eleanor over for her cooking lesson4 ,illustration3 ,pare and slice ,i do wonder whether the ,kitchen ,people will talk and help us--or whether they can help but one person4 ,it would be pretty hard without their help2 but let me read the recipe again3 ,,no4 #bg4--;,,apple ,,snow4 #a4 ,pare and slice apples1 dropping into cold water4 #b4 ,cook slowly until soft4 #c4 ,mash well and measure4 #d4 ,to every cupful1 allow #a_/d cup powdered sugar1 white of #a egg1 well beaten4 #e4 ,add a spoonful of each to apples until used1 stirring in lightly each time4 #f4 ,add #a drop vanilla for each cup of apples4 #g4 ,serve with cream4 ,illustration3 ,apple ,snow ,i guess ,i'll go ask the ,kitchen ,people about it right away6 ,but some one was talking4 ,wonder what little ,mistress will cook to-day4 ,i'll see if they know1 said ,mary ,frances to herself4 ,it's hard to remember so far ahead1 complained ,coffee ,pot4 ,i wish it was my turn all the time4 ,oh1 you have more chance than most of us1 except ,tea ,kettle1 exclaimed ,sauce ,pan4 ,i expect1 though1 most of us will be used a lot now1--airily4 ,why8 ,oh1 ,i read a poem about it1 which proves---- ,say it6 interrupted several ,kitchen ,people4 7,what fun6 thought ,mary ,frances4 ,i'll try to remember it47 ,illustration3 ,complained ,coffee ,pot4 ,illustration3 ,beginning to recite4 ,all right6 said ,sauce ,pan1 proudly1 beginning to recite3 ',the good old times are back1 they say2 ,now1 people eat six times a day4 ,nothing they eat is quite so good ,as victuals1 eatables and food4 ,they'll eat 'em cooked1 they'll eat 'em raw1 ,while they have teeth with which to chaw4' ,beautiful6 exclaimed the ,kitchen ,people4 ,if that isn't too silly for anything in the world6 ,it was a new voice4 ,mary ,frances peeped out4 ,big ,blue ,pitcher was near the edge of the shelf4 ,it's perfectly true1 though1 re-tort-ed ,sauce ,pan1 angrily4 ,there6 ,there6 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 soothingly2 don't get so excited6 ,of course it's true4 ,you bet it's true and ,i can prove---- ,oh1 my ear6 cried ,blue ,pitcher1 toppling dangerously near the edge of the shelf4 ,prove it6 ,prove it6 ,you can't6--you conceited id-i-o-ti-cal old ,sauce ,pan6 ,i dare you6 ,illustration3 ,big ,blue ,pitcher was near the edge ,over he went--,crash666--broken into pieces4 ,he's dead1 exclaimed the excited ,kitchen ,people1 and began to wring their funny little hands1 and to cry ,oh1 why did-de-die8 ,oh1 why did-de-die8 ,oh1 why did-de-die8 did-de-die-die-die8 ,illustration3 ,over he went--,crash666 ,they kept up this chant until ,mary ,frances stepped out into the kitchen4 ,why did-de-die8 demanded ,mary ,frances1 but not a word was answered4 ,what will ,mother say8 she said1 sweeping up the broken pieces of poor ,blue ,pitcher4 ,won't she be sorry6 ,yes1 she will6 said ,sauce ,pan2 but it was his own fault6 ,i think ,jubey'll be sorrier6 ,she thought ,blue ,pitcher one of her best friends4 ,they were very con-fi-dent-ial4 ,only yesterday ,i heard her telling him that always after eating a hearty meal for which she had no appetite1 she felt hungry4 ,what did ,blue ,pitcher say8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,never paid any 'tention--just said3 ',humph1 ,jubey1 ,i know where a lot of cat-tails grow6' ',you do1 do you8' said ,jubey4 ',i'd like to know4' ',on little kittens6' said ,blue ,pitcher4 ,the ,kitchen ,people laughed4 ,bet ,sauce ,pan made that all up1 whispered ,coffee ,pot4 ,no1 said ,sauce ,pan1 overhearing1 ,i--,i don't tell tails6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xx ,,mary ,,frances ,,gives ,a ,,cooking ,,lesson ,,come6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,this is enough nonsense for one day4 ,now1 ,kitchen ,people1 ,i promised to give a friend of mine a cooking lesson4 ,if ,i bring her now1 can you help us1--as you generally do me8 ,no1 child1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 smiling2 but perhaps you have learned by this time pretty nearly well enough to do an easy lesson without our help4 ,we can't talk before other people1 you know4 ,perhaps the little girl's own ,kitchen ,people will help her some time4 ,illustration3 ,you can get along nicely ,well1 it's a very easy lesson1 ,i think4--',apple ,snow1' she added4 ,and 'a promise 's a promise6' ,yes1 interrupted ,sauce ,pan1 you can get along nicely with that recipe4 ,illustration3 ,the little girls had a lovely time4 ,perhaps ,i can1 said ,mary ,frances1 happily4 ,i'll go over for ,eleanor now4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the little girls had a lovely time doing just as ,mary ,frances' mother had written in the recipe4 ,the ,kitchen ,people watched out of the corners of their eyes1 but never said a word4 ,oh1 isn't this good1 sighed ,eleanor1 eating the light1 delicious dessert4 ,then1 ,mary ,frances1 ,i know2 ,i'm going to ask my mother for a cook book6 ,i wonder if you'll let me borrow yours some time to show her4 ,of course6 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,just then there was a ring at the door-bell4 ,in came ,aunt ,maria with a mysterious looking bundle4 ,why1 my dear1 you have company1 ,i see1 said the old lady with a smile4 ,yes1 ma'am1 said ,eleanor1 ,mary ,frances has been giving me a cooking lesson4 ,mary ,frances shook her head and put her finger to her mouth1 but ,eleanor didn't understand4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 isn't this good4 ,a cooking lesson6 exclaimed ,aunt ,maria4 ,a cooking lesson6 ,mary ,frances6 ,a cooking lesson6 ,then she began to laugh4 ,illustration3 ,then she began to laugh4 ,oh1 my dear6 she said4 ,i'm so happy ,i'm crying4 ,silly old me6 and she wiped the tears from her spectacles4 ,mary ,frances1 dear1 she said1 at length1 ,i heard about the lovely things you made ,mary ,ann ,hooper2 and ,i found out1 too1 by wheedlin' it out of her1 about the cooking lessons--and here's a surprise for you1 and she handed the bundle to the little girl4 ,oh1 ,aunt ,maria6 cried ,mary ,frances unwrapping it4 ,look1 ,eleanor6--a little cap and apron6 ,to wear at your cooking lessons1 fluttered ,aunt ,maria4 ,how dear and lovely6 7,trying them on47 ,look1 ,eleanor1 they just fit6 ,you're the happiest girl in the world6 sighed ,eleanor4 ,illustration3 ,a little cap ,i should be1 if ,mother were really well1 said ,mary ,frances2 but she's much better1 and is coming home soon4 ,aunt ,maria1 she added1--oh1 ,i want you to share the secret6 ,i'm doing all the lessons she had written out for me in my cook book--to surprise her when she comes home6 ,good6 said ,aunt ,maria4 ,i'll tell you6--you can get dinner ready the day she comes6 ,illustration3 and apron4 ,wouldn't that be perfectly lovely6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,then1 suddenly thinking1-- ,oh1 ,aunt ,maria1 excuse me1 please6 ,won't you have some of our lesson8--,some of the ,apple ,snow we made for our lesson1 ,i mean8 ,i'd ap-pre-ci-ate the kindness1 said the old lady a little stiffly1 as though a bit ashamed of her softness a moment ago4 ,but after tasting the treat1 she said3 ,it's the most beautiful snow ,i ever saw1 little girls1--even more beautiful than that on which ,i1 so many years ago1 used to pull a sled4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,look1 ,eleanor1 they just fit6 ,,chapter ,,xxi ,,the ,,picnic ,,can',t guess where ,i'm going to-day1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 coming into the kitchen next morning4 ,to the circus8 guessed ,sauce ,pan4 ,mary ,frances shook her head4 ,not to-day4 ,to the fair8 guessed ,coffee ,pot4 ,no6 ,to the ,zo-ol-og-ic-al ,garden1 guessed ,sauce ,pan1 again1 beginning to recite3 ',the ,pan-,cans went to the ,zoo1 ,it long had been their wish ,to see the ,baking ,panimals ,with the wildly ,chafing ,dish4' ,illustration3 ,to the circus8 ,wrong6 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,all wrong6--,perhaps this will help you guess--opening the cook book4 ,illustration3 ,wrong6 ,all wrong6 ,,no4 #bh4--,,stuffed ,,eggs4 #a4 ,hard-boil eggs4 #b4 ,drop into cold water4 ,remove shells4 #c4 ,cut each in half lengthwise4 #d4 ,turn out yolks into a bowl4 #e4 ,carefully place whites together in pairs4 #f4 ,mash yolks with back of a spoon4 #g4 ,for every #f yolks1 put into the bowl #a tablespoon olive oil or melted butter #a_/b teaspoon mustard 7the kind prepared for table7 #a_/b teaspoon salt dash cayenne pepper #h4 ,rub these together thoroughly with the yolks4 #i4 ,make little balls of this paste1 the size of the yolks4 #aj4 ,fit one ball into each pair whites4 ,,note4--,if used for table1 serve with ,white ,sauce poured around them4 ,if used for picnic1 wrap waxed paper around each until needed4 ,illustration3 ,stuffed ,eggs4 ,it's a picnic6 ,it's a picnic6 cried the ,kitchen ,people4 ,yes6 explained ,mary ,frances1 that's it6 ,aunt ,maria is giving me a picnic to 'celebrate my ambition1' she says--whatever that means4 ,anyhow1 ,father's coming4 ,he's going to make up for the lunch he couldn't come to4 ,i'm so happy6 ,illustration3 ,it's a picnic6 ,so'm ,i6 ,goody6 ,goody6 ,i'm all ready6 ,mary ,frances turned4 ,if it isn't ,basket6 she cried4 ,i had no idea you---- ,that ,i wanted to go8 asked ,basket proudly4 ,my family are the most important 'picnickers' at any picnic6 ,we always go6 ,well1 to be sure6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,here1 wait--these eggs will be ready in a minute6 ,tuck the napkin in carefully1 please1 said ,basket4 ,i won't spill them out4 ,anything else8 ,no1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,aunt ,maria said ,i could bring just one thing--and to surprise everybody2 so ,i have not told anyone what ,i am going to bring4 ,i wonder if---- ,illustration3 ,i--want--to--go6 ,but her thought was cut short by ,coffee ,pot's crying excitedly3 ,i want to go6 ,i want to go6 ,i--want--to--go6 go6 go6 go6 ,i want to go--go--go--go6--go--go6 ,oh1 you can't go6 said ,sauce ,pan4 ,why--you6--you'd--you--you'd---- ,illustration3 ,goody6 ,goody6 ,i'm all ready6 ,that will do1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,i'll take you1 ,coffee ,pot4 ,maybe ,aunt ,maria's little coffee pot won't be large enough for all of the picnic4 ,eleanor and ,bob are going with us6 ,illustration ,coffee ,pot looked tri-umph-ant-ly at ,sauce ,pan1 but seemed too happy to say anything4 ,good-bye1 ,kitchen ,people1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i wish ,i could take you all4 ,good-bye1 cried the ,kitchen ,people2 hope you'll have a lovely time6 ,i'd be scared1 said ,sauce ,pan1 glancing at ,coffee ,pot4 ,who knows what's in the woods8 ,and as ,mary ,frances closed the door1 he was singing3 ',if polar bears were everywheres1 ,and leopards came to tea1 ,and fearful bats and gnawing gnats ,all came to eat with me1 ,and giant snakes ate all the cakes1 ,what a picnic that would be6' ,boo666 ,illustration3 ,i'll take you1 ,coffee ,pot4 ,,chapter ,,xxii ,,the ,,candy ,,pull ,,get scared at the ',pic-wick1'--,i mean ',picnic1'--,coffey1 teased ,sauce ,pan next morning4 ,nope1 said ,coffee ,pot1 the 'airing' did me good4 ,i feel lots clearer4 ,illustration3 ,teased ,sauce ,pan ,tell us about it8 ,oh1 ,i'm not good at story telling6 ,the ,aunt told about the funniest recipe she knew1--called ',merry ,land ,biscuits1' ,i think4 ,anyhow1 she said to 'beat 'em twenty minutes with an axe6' ,that's a kitchen person ,i never heard of1 said ,tea ,kettle4 ,did the ,aunt like the little ,miss' cooking8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 anxiously4 ,yes1 and she talked about ,mary ,frances' de-vel-op-ment of char-ac-ter--whatever that is4 ,it seemed to have something to do with cooking1 for at the same time1 she told about the things our little ,miss had made1 and seemed so proud4 ,illustration3 ,did the ,aunt like the little ,miss' cooking8 ',may ,i see your book1 my dear8' she asked ,mary ,frances 7for our little mistress had the book tucked under her arm74 ',how far are you8' ,and when ,mary ,frances showed her3 ',candy6' she exclaimed1 ',why1 to-morrow1 my dear 7she never used to call her my dear71 you can have a ,candy ,pull--only1' she laughed1 'it isn't the kind that is pulled4' ',oh1 ,aunt ,maria1' said ,mary ,frances1 'that's the loveliest thought--the ,candy ,pull1 ,i mean4' ,humph1 said ,sauce ,pan1 ,i don't think so6 ,that means we can't help her4 ,oh1 no1 it doesn't1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,we can help her a great deal by just doing our part4 ,don't you see8 ,she doesn't need us as she used to4 ,illustration3 ,candy6 she exclaimed ,i 'spose we ought to be glad1 said ,sauce ,pan4 99 99 99 99 99 ,now1 ,eleanor1 said ,mary ,frances that evening1 ,father and the boys aren't invited until after the candy is made4 ,where are they now--do you know8 asked ,eleanor4 ,illustration3 ,we can help her a great deal ,father and ,aunt ,maria are in the library1 and the boys are up in ,billy's den6 ,so we'll read the recipes over first thing1 and get started soon as possible4 ,do read them1 ,mary ,frances1 said ,eleanor4 ,i'm so anxious--,i'm just 'crazy' to learn how to make them4 ,well1 said ,mary ,frances1 the first is ',pickaninny ,fudge6' ,isn't that just like ,mother6--to call ,chocolate ,fudge that cute name6 ,hurry1 ,mary ,frances2 do read it1 cried ,eleanor1 delighted4 ,mary ,frances read3 ,,no4 #bi4--,,pickaninny ,,fudge4 #b cups sugar #a cup milk #b tablespoons butter #d squares chocolate 7#d ounces7 #e drops vanilla #a4 ,put sugar1 milk1 chocolate and butter together in a pan4 #b4 ,boil until a few drops harden when dropped into cold water4 #c4 ,butter a platter4 #d4 ,add ,vanilla to candy and stir while it cools4 #e4 ,cut into squares with a buttered knife while still soft4 ,illustration3 ,mary ,frances read ,that just makes my 'mouth water1' ,mary ,frances1 said ,eleanor4 ,if the next is as good as that----6 ,it is6 declared ,mary ,frances4 ,listen6 ,illustration3 ,hurry2 do read it4 ,,no4 #cj4--,,walnut ,,kisses4 #a cup brown sugar #a_/b cup granulated sugar #a_/d cup cold water white #a egg #a4 ,boil sugars and water together until a few drops harden when dropped into cold water4 #b4 ,beat white of egg stiff4 #c4 ,pour the sugar syrup very slowly upon the white of egg1 beating all the time4 #d4 ,butter a platter4 #e4 ,drop by tablespoonfuls on the platter4 #f4 ,put a half walnut on each little mound or kiss4 ,illustration3 ,walnut ,kisses4 ,these are 'grand1' said ,mary ,frances4 ,mother made some just before she was ill4 ,but have you the walnuts8 asked ,eleanor1 anxiously4 ,yes1 explained ,mary ,frances4 ,aunt ,maria saw these recipes yesterday at the picnic1 and she brought over a lot of walnuts ready for us4 ,if she hadn't1 ,i'd never have thought of them1 ,i guess4 ,now--to work6 ,you can make the ,walnut ,kisses--if you like4 ,if you'll explain it all to me1 said ,eleanor4 ,illustration3 ,now--to work6 ,of course ,i will1 said ,mary ,frances2 but you see1 ,mother has written out every single action just as you do it1--that makes it so easy4 ,see if you can do it alone--try4 ,i'd love to1 said ,eleanor4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the little girls worked pretty quietly until they were ready to pour out the candy4 ,how are you getting along1 children8 inquired ,aunt ,maria at the door4 ,oh1 ,aunty1 ,i'm so glad you came said ,mary ,frances2 we were just a little afraid--without help4 ,yes1 ,i see1 said ,aunt ,maria2 you might easily be burned4 ,this is perfect so far4 ,now---- and she showed the children how to pour out the candy4 7,almost as well as the ,kitchen ,people could1 thought ,mary ,frances47 99 99 99 99 99 ,walnut ,kisses1 said her father1 kissing ,mary ,frances good-night1 are next best to real kisses1 which1 although they are made of nothing---- ,oh1 ,fudge6 exclaimed ,billy1 and everybody laughed4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,they were ready to pour out the candy4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii ,,getting ,,ready ,,for ,a ,,party ,,how time flies6 ,mary ,frances tied on her new apron and put on her pretty little cap4 ,fly time is nearly gone1 said ,sauce ,pan1 and--school time is almost here1 he added1 seeing ,mary ,frances didn't seem to notice4 ,illustration3 ,put on her pretty little cap4 ,yes1 she said1 but before school time1 there's a grand good time--,mother comes home to-morrow6 ,whew6 whistled ,tea ,kettle4 ,so soon8 ,well1 said ,mary ,frances1 it doesn't seem soon when ,i think of it without my cooking lessons--but when ,i think ,i'm nearly through the book---- ,what's to-day's lesson8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,i'm so anxious you do get through6 ,thank you1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 ,i must tell you4 ,i'm going to give a ,tea ,party6 ,a ,tea ,party6 exclaimed ,tea ,pot1 clapping his lid up and down4 ,oh1 lovely6 ,illustration3 ,a ,tea ,party6 ,oh1 this is a ,tea ,party without tea1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,we're going to have two kinds of cake1--and cocoa6 ,then1 seeing how disappointed ,tea ,pot looked3 ,oh1 ,i will have tea1 too4 ,aunt ,maria without tea6 ,that will never do6 ,now for the next recipe3 ,,no4 #ca4--,,sponge ,,cake4 #b eggs #a cup sugar #a_/c cup boiling water #a_/b teaspoon vanilla 7or lemon extract7 #a cup flour #a-a_/b teaspoon baking powder dash of salt #a4 ,separate yolks of eggs and beat in a large bowl4 #b4 ,add gradually half the sugar1 stirring well4 #c4 ,add the boiling water slowly4 #d4 ,add remaining sugar1 and the flavoring4 #e4 ,sift together twice flour1 baking powder and salt4 #f4 ,sift by small quantities into the mixture1 beating well each time4 #g4 ,beat whites of eggs and fold them into the cake4 #h4 ,grease pan4 ,toss around in it #a_/d cup flour4 ,throw out4 ,this prevents sticking4 #i4 ,pour in the cake4 #aj4 ,bake in a moderate oven about #ce minutes4 ,illustration3 ,aunt ,maria without tea6 ,illustration3 ,humph6 ,humph6 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 that's all right1 but it doesn't give you much idea how the oven should be4 ,no1 explained ,mary ,frances1 ,i 'spose ,mother intended to show me about that4 ,of course1 child1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 that was it4 ,now1 ,i'll tell you all about cake---- ,illustration3 ,i'll tell you all about cake4 ,what's that6 a queer1 muffled voice4 ,mary ,frances started in surprise4 ,a great com-mo-tion inside the pantry1 and the sound of many little voices6 ,then she made out the words3 ,get out of my way6 ,here1 you1 step aside6 7,then a little shriek or two followed by the sound of falling tins47 ,oh1 you knocked my nose4 ,there6 that makes the fiftieth dent6 ,no wonder ,i look old and worn out4 ,can't you wait a minute8 ,at length there came a pounding on the door1 and a high little voice--or was it two voices8 ,let me out6 ,oh1 ,i say1 please let us out6 ,mercy6 thought ,mary ,frances1 ,i hope there isn't going to be any trouble4 ,and she cautiously opened the pantry door a little way4 ,the two ,cake ,tins pushed their way out4 ,illustration3 ,the two ,cake ,tins4 ,oh1 thank you6 they said1 breathlessly1 in chorus 7looking at each other all the while as though they'd learned and rehearsed every word74 ,i thought ,i'd never get out to help6 ,i've listened through the door to every lesson1 just hoping my turn would come4 ,there ,i was back of the other pots and pans1 and when ,i heard ',cake' ,i just jumped6 ,as ,i had just started to say--,aunty ,rolling ,pin began4 ,what do you know about cakes6 cried the ,cake ,tins1 angrily4 ,if everybody'd just mind his own cooking--who ever rolls cakes8 ,well1 ,i know about cookies1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 and besides1 ,i know about most things1--,i belonged to a real cooking teacher6 ,illustration3 ,prove it6 ,prove it6 cried the ,cake ,tins4 ,i will1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 here's part of a lecture the teacher used to give3 ,illustration3 ,what do you know about cakes8 ,now1 ladies1 you can see the ex-ceed-ing-ly good texture of this cake1 as ,i drop it from the spoon4 ,the nu-tri-tive value of the ut-il-ized com-po-si-tion is unequaled1 except in rare cases of cul-in-ary e-con-om-y4 ,for instance1 the proteids1 the car-bon-a-ce-ous contrib-u-tions plus the con-di-ments1 afford an instance of un-u-su-al strength-giving power4 ,the in-ex-cus-a-ble prod-i-gal-i-ty of the ,a-mer-i-can house-wife----' ,illustration3 ,i'll make the sponge cake first1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,whew6 whistled ,tea ,kettle1 for pity's sake1 stop it6 ,humph6 said ,square ,cake ,tin1 ,i don't see that that proves you know anything about cake4 ,now ,i'll explain3 ,there are really only two kinds of cake in general3 #a4 ,cakes without butter1 or some form of sponge cakes4 #b4 ,cakes with butter1 or plain cakes4 ,more important than the mixing of the cake is the baking4 ,have a rather low fire1 which will grad-u-al-ly increase in heat without adding more fuel4 ,illustration3 ,now ,i'll explain4 ,rules3 ,thin cakes require a hotter oven than larger ones4 ,molasses cakes will burn easily1 so require a cooler oven than others4 ,sponge cakes require a 'slower' oven than butter cakes4 ,illustration3 ,whew6 for pity's sake1 stop it6 ,cake is done when it shrinks from the sides of a pan1 or when a straw comes out dry4 ,you know the way1 don't you8 ,yes1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,my1 what a lot you do know6 ,now1 read the next recipe1 please4 ,the butter kind1 said ,mary ,frances2 whereat the ,cake ,tins looked pleased4 ,illustration3 ,the ,cake ,tins looked pleased4 ,,no4 #cb4--;,,dream ,,cake4 #d tablespoons butter #a cup sugar #b eggs #a_/b cup milk #a-a_/d cups flour #b teaspoons baking powder #a_/h teaspoon ground mace dash of salt #a teaspoon vanilla #a4 ,put butter in a bowl2 add sugar4 ,cream or rub thoroughly together4 #b4 ,beat yolks of eggs4 ,add to butter and sugar1 stirring well4 #c4 ,mix and sift twice flour1 baking powder1 mace and salt4 #d4 ,add one-third of the milk to the yolks1 butter and sugar4 #e4 ,sift in one-third of the flour4 ,do this until all the milk and flour are used1 beating well each time4 #f4 ,add vanilla4 ,beat well4 #g4 ,beat white of eggs light4 ,fold them into the cake4 #h4 ,grease shallow pan as in ,no4 #ca4 ,pour in the cake4 #i4 ,bake in moderate oven about #ce minutes1 or until it shrinks from the pan4 ,illustration3 ,now1 read the next recipe4 ,we'll both be used6 exclaimed the ,cake ,pans1 joyously4 ,i told you so6 ,i told you6 they cried at each other as though having an argument4 ,come1 said ,mary ,frances1 less talking4 ,we must get to work4 ,look at the oven first1 said the ,cake ,pans1 as ,mary ,frances started to break the eggs4 ,is it right8 asked the little girl1 lifting them up to see4 ,yes1 they said1 it will be just right when we are ready4 ,all the ma-ter-i-als you'll need ready8 asked ,round ,cake ,tin after a minute4 ,yes1 looking over the table1 ,i see--everything4 ,good6 ,illustration3 ,we must get to work4 ,i brought the butter into the warm room an hour ago1 said ,mary ,frances1 so that it would be softened by the time ,i needed it4 ,i'll make the sponge cake first1 as the oven will be cooler then4 ,illustration3 ,we'll both be used6 ,right6 cried the ,cake ,tins2 but when you open the oven door1 be careful to do so gently1 as any jarring will break the 'gas bubbles' very easily1 doing much more harm toward making the cake heavy than the air2 in fact1 if the door is opened carefully1 and not too soon1 it does no harm4 99 99 99 99 99 ,with the ,cake ,tins' help1 a warm and tired1 but very happy little girl brought two golden brown fragrant cakes to the table one-half hour before lunch time4 ,turn us on our sides1 panted the ,cake ,tins1 to let us cool off quickly and evenly4 ,my1 but it was warm in there6 ,how beautiful the cakes look6 said ,mary ,frances1 doing as she was told4 ,why not take a taste8 ,square ,cake ,tin asked4 ,oh1 it's just before lunch time1 said ,mary ,frances1 and would spoil my ap-pe-tite4 ,mother doesn't allow me---- ,just one sweet mouthful8 tempted ,cake ,tin4 ,it seems so good4 ,i guess ,i will--just this once1 and cutting a piece1 she ate it4 ,oh1 she cried1 my beautiful cake6 ,look1 it's sinking down in the middle6 ,the tears came to her eyes4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 ,i'm so1 so sorry ,oh1 ,i'm so1 so sorry1 said ,cake ,tin1 ,i was too excited and proud6 ,illustration3 ,one-half hour before lunch time4 ,why didn't you tell me1 ,mary ,frances asked1 that a fresh cake1 if cut1 would 'fall8' ,illustration ,oh1 said ,cake ,tin1 ,i meant to be so helpful4 ,i'll try never to be too proud again4 ,illustration3 ,is it right8 asked the little girl1 lifting them up to see4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv ,,the ,,tea ,,party ,,mary ,,frances didn't eat much lunch4 ,what's the matter1 child8 asked ,aunt ,maria1 anxiously4 ',homesick' for ,mother8--or was to-day's lesson too hard8 ,then ,mary ,frances told of cutting and eating the fresh cake4 ,and1 ,aunt ,maria1 she said1 the tears flowing down her cheeks1 it went down6 down6 down6 until ,i was afraid it would rise out of the bottom of the pan the other way4 ,illustration3 ,what's the matter1 child8 ,never mind1 dear child1 ,aunt ,maria comforted her4 ,i did the same thing to my first cake4 ,i remember it well6 ,you did1 ,aunt ,maria8 ,yes1 said the old lady4 ,i'll tell you what we'll do6 ,i'll bake a cake in place of yours for to-night's party4 ,don't tell any one4 ,illustration3 ,it went down6 down6 down6 ,oh1 thank you1 ,aunt ,maria1 cried ,mary ,frances2 that's so kind6 ,not a word to any one6 cau-tion-ed ,aunt ,maria4 ,what else do you have8 ,cocoa1 said ,mary ,frances2 ,i can make that4 ,my1 smiled ,aunt ,maria1 ,i'm so proud4 99 99 99 99 99 ,after the games and riddles1 ,mary ,frances excused herself from her guests1 and made the cocoa and the pot of tea for her aunt4 ,then ,billy carried in the tray1 on which she had placed the cake1 and the cups and saucers1 plates1 napkins1 and ,chocolate ,pot1 and1 oh1 yes1 ,tea ,pot1 for ,aunt ,maria2 and she poured the cocoa like a real grown lady1 while the boys passed the plates and the cake1 and served the guests to the cups of cocoa4 ,did ,mary ,frances make this cake8 asked one of the guests4 7,i'm awfully glad she didn't ask about the other1 thought the little girl47 ,illustration3 ,did ,mary ,frances make this cake8 ,yes1 said ,eleanor's brother ,bob4 ,yes2 knowing the greatness of the present oc-ca-sion1 ,i have written a poem1 en-ti-tled1 ',ode to the ,cook' 7bowing to ,mary ,frances71 which1 with your kind indulgence1 ,i will now read3 ,illustration3 ,ode to the ,cook ,begin6 laughed ,mary ,frances4 ,bob cleared his throat and began3 ,mary ,frances is a girl ,who cooks for you and ,i2 ,she can boil a fancy cake ,or stew a cherry pie4 ,once she made a pot of soup ,and served it for our dinner2 ,we thought that we were like to die1 ,it made us so much thinner4 ,time to weep8 asked ,billy1 pa-thet-i-cal-ly4 ,now1 this1 our cook will save expense1 ,for when she is your baker1 ,you may save your doctor's bill-- ,just get an undertaker4 ,illustration3 ,oh1 ,bob1 ,i say-- ,now1 ,billy1 cried ,mary ,frances1 what have you been telling8 ,oh1 ,bob1 ,i say-- said ,billy4 ,illustration3 ,begin6 ,mary ,frances1 don't mind ,bob1 interrupted ,eleanor4 ,you see what ,i have to stand all the time4 ,and ,mary ,frances laughed heartily4 ,did you think ,i minded ,bob8 she asked4 ,show you forgive me1 ,mary ,frances1 begged ,bob1 by letting me have another cup of cake1 and another piece of cocoa4 ,not another1 laughingly corrected ,mary ,frances4 ,to be polite1 ,i believe ,i must pretend ,i didn't notice you'd had any4 ,you certainly are kind1 ,mary ,frances1 said ,bob1 when ,i don't know how many pieces---- ,i know1 cried ,eleanor1--this makes the fifth6 ,well1 ,nell1 begged ,bob1 don't tell ,mother4 ,you deserve it1 said ,eleanor4 ,illustration3 ,don't tell ,mother4 ,come1 said ,billy1 all ready6 another game6 ',blind feeds ,blind6' ,and they blindfolded the boys' eyes1 and sat them opposite each other1 each with a plate of little pieces of cake1 and a spoon4 ,they were to try to feed each other4 ,the one who dropped the least number of pieces1 and whose cake was first gone1 won4 ,it was very funny6 ,sometimes the spoon was poked into the other boy's ear2 sometimes it hit his nose4 ,illustration3 ,blind feeds blind ,everything was grand1 ,mary ,frances1 said ,eleanor1 and it was the loveliest party6 ,i think so1 too1 smiled ,aunt ,maria4 ,one last riddle1 said ,mary ,frances' father1 bidding the young people good-night3 ',why is ,mary ,frances the happiest girl in the world8' ,then they all guessed---- ,because ',mother' is coming home to-morrow6 ,oh1 ,mary ,frances1 laughed ,eleanor1 ,i've had more fun6 ,good-night1 dear4 ,and ,so have we all of us1 and ,thank you1 cried the others4 ,good-night6 ,good-night6 ,good-night6 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,never mind1 dear child4 ,aunt ,maria comforted her4 ,,chapter ,,xxv ,,mary ,,frances ,,gets ,,dinner ,,oh1 my dear ,kitchen ,people1 ,i'm so happy1 ,i don't know whether ,i'm myself or not6 ,you are6 solemnly declared ,sauce ,pan1--,i mean you are our little ',miss'--,miss ,mary ,frances4 ,my1 ,i feel so relieved6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,since that is so1 ,i'll tell you why ,i'm so excited6 ,mother is coming home to-day--and--,i'm going to get dinner4 ,isn't it lovely8 ,everybody1 shouted ,tea ,kettle1 ready6 ,with that1 every utensil in the kitchen sprang to its queer little feet4 ,illustration3 ,you are6 ,we're all quite ready1 ,mistress1 said ,tea ,kettle1 trying to make a bow1 but looking very clumsy and ri-dic-u-lous1 trying at the same time to keep water from spilling out of his nose4 ,thank you1 everybody1 said ,mary ,frances1 very gravely1 however4 ,i'll not need anyone just now but ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,where is she8 ,illustration3 ,everybody1 ready6 ,she's out picking cherries to make a pumpkin pie1 said ,sauce ,pan in a loud whisper to ,pie ,plate4 ,here ,i am1 child1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin's voice answered4 ,i can't seem to roll out4 ,get out of my way--you6 ,with that1 ,knife1 ,fork and ,spoon slid to the side of the table1 and she rolled to the edge4 ,what is it1 child8 she smiled4 ,it's the grandest thing6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,illustration3 ,slid to the side of the table4 ,,no4 #cc4--,,queen ,,of ,,hearts ,,tarts4 ,spread cooked heart-shaped pastry shells with preserved cherries4 ,see ,no4 #cd4 ,tarts6 chuckled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,oh1 my handles6 ,i'm so happy6 ,are the cherries ready1 child8 she asked1 anxiously4 ,yes1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i am to use ,illustration3 ,what is it child8 ,,no4 #cd4--,,pastry4 #a cup flour #a_/d teaspoon salt #a_/c cup lard #a_/c cup cold water 7,use as little water as possible47 #a4 ,sift salt and flour into a bowl4 #b4 ,rub lard into flour with finger tips until like coarse powder4 #c4 ,add half the cold water1 stirring with a knife to form a stiff ball4 ,keep this on one side of the bowl4 #d4 ,stir in more water until the remaining flour forms a ball4 ,press these balls together4 #e4 ,roll out4 ,fit to pie plate4 ,trim off overhanging edges4 #f4 ,bake in a hot oven4 ,that's it6 exclaimed ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 joyously4 ,i was afraid there might not be 'shortening' or lard enough in the recipe4 ,the whole art of making good pastry is in having one-third as much lard as flour1 and using as little water as possible4 ,i was afraid1 too1 that your mother would not put 'pastry' in the book1 for when flour or starch grains are coated in fat they are too dry to 'swell' well in cooking1 and cannot burst open4 ,they are not1 ,i'm sorry to say1 a very di-ges-ti-ble food4 ,i'm glad she did1 though1 said ,mary ,frances2 she will not often let us eat 'pastry1' but ,i 'spect she im-ag-ined how pleased ,i'd be4 ,i wonder why pie tastes so good1 if it isn't good for us8 ,my1 how much ,i have to do6 ,now ,i'm ready6 ,at these words1 ,middle-sized ,bowl sprang upon the table4 ,illustration3 ,that's it6 ,illustration3 ,sprang upon the table4 ,measuring ,cup dumped a cup of flour into it1 and ran toward the lard kettle1 which was standing near4 ,is the salt in the flour8 asked ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 crit-i-cal-ly4 ,yes1 ma'am1 said ,tea ,spoon1 ,i put it in4 ,who'll measure the lard8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,i will6 and ,measuring ,cup threw it into ,bowl4 ,well1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 and what do ,i do8 ,you'll do enough1 child1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 before you get ready a whole big dinner1 even with our help4 ,well1 really1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i 'spose ,i ought to explain3 ,these tarts are more 'specially for ,billy than for dinner4 ,i promised him---- ,oh1 that's all right1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin2 that only makes it nicer than ever6 ,illustration3 ,dumped a cup of flour into it4 ,now1 she went on1 rub the flour and lard together4 ,cover the lard with the flour4 ,yes1 that's it6 ,now1 rub them together until it seems like coarse powder4 ,you could use a knife instead1 chopping the lard all through4 ,illustration3 ,you'll do enough1 child4 ,that right8 asked ,mary ,frances1 holding some down for ,aunty ,rolling ,pin to look at1 since she couldn't see over the edge of ,bowl4 ,yes1 that is right1 she answered4 ,now1 you may use a knife for stirring and pour just a little water in--oh1 mercy6 child6 7as ,mary ,frances was about to throw in a quarter of a glass7 not that way6 ,make a little 'well' in the flour4 ,pour in about one tablespoon of water4 ,mix well4 ,let that rest at one side and do the same thing in another place1 and then another1 finally stirring all together into one big ball4 ,that's just right6 as ,mary ,frances lifted up the paste4 ,now1 sift a little flour on the board and--oh1 how many tarts are you going to make8 ,six4 ,illustration3 ,all ready6 ,all right4 ,cut the paste into five even pieces1 and with me 7,mary ,frances laughed1 ,aunty ,rolling ,pin seemed so pleased7 roll out each piece about one-eighth of an inch thick4 ,after cutting out1 save all the left-over trimmings to use for the last one4 ,plates ready8 ,all ready6 answered the little heart-shaped ,tart ,plates4 ,illustration3 ,that right8 ,how do ,i make a pretty border8 asked ,mary ,frances1 cutting the trimmings from the edge of ,tart ,plate with a knife held upright along the edge4 ,fork came dancing from the edge of the table4 ,oh1 ,i remember6 said ,mary ,frances1 pressing the prongs into the outer edge of the crust4 ,they're grand6 chuckled ,aunty ,rolling ,pin4 ,can you bake them8 ,you need a very hot oven to bake them4 ,but the cherries6 said ,mary ,frances1 glad to think she had caught ,aunty ,rolling ,pin in an oversight4 ,not until the pastry's cooked1 child1 said ,aunty ,rolling ,pin1 with a smile4 ,mary ,frances slipped the little plates into the oven1 and made room on the table to place the dinner as she prepared it4 ,in a short fifteen minutes the tarts were ready4 ,aren't they sweet6 the little girl exclaimed4 ,my6 ,i wish they were thought to be very good for children6 ,illustration3 ,aren't they sweet6 ,what's for dinner8 asked ,tea ,kettle1 anxiously4 ,illustration3 ,slipped them into the oven4 ,i'll tell you1 said ,mary ,frances1 ,i've written out the ,,menu ,potato ,soup ,pan-broiled ,steak ,creamed ,cabbage ,mashed ,potatoes ,tomato and ,lettuce ,salad ,banana ,bread ,pudding with ,hard ,sauce ,coffee ,illustration3 ,very elegant6 ,very elegant6--but that's a lot to do1 isn't it8 said ,tea ,kettle4 ,perhaps1 if you read over all the new recipes1 and we talk them over when its each one's turn to commence1 we can work better4 ,oh1 thank you1 ,tea ,kettle1 said ,mary ,frances1 that is a very bright idea4 ,tea ,kettle glistened4 ,i'll read them1 continued ,mary ,frances1 as they come in the book4 ,illustration3 ,lettuce washed1 and tomatoes sliced4 ,i have the lettuce well washed1 and the tomatoes sliced4 ,all ,i have to do is to dry the lettuce at dinner time1 and soon ,i can make the ,,no4 #ce4--,,salad ,,dressing4 #a teaspoon salt #c_/d teaspoon mustard #a-a_/b tablespoons sugar #b teaspoons flour #c_/d cup sour cream 7or milk7 #a egg #a tablespoon vinegar #a teaspoon butter ,a few grains of red pepper4 #a4 ,beat egg4 #b4 ,mix mustard1 sugar1 flour1 salt and pepper4 #c4 ,add egg slowly1 beating well at the same time4 #d4 ,add milk4 ,beat4 #e4 ,cook in a sauce pan placed in boiling water4 #f4 ,stir until it thickens like cream4 ,remove from heat at once4 #g4 ,add vinegar very slowly1 beating all the while4 #h4 ,stir in the butter4 ,serve cold on lettuce or sliced tomatoes4 ,if this is cooked too long1 it will 'curdle' or the be egg will become hard and separate1 said ,sauce ,pan2 but ,i'll be careful4 ,now ,i'm ready for work4 ,illustration3 ,i'll be careful4 ,mary ,frances laughed4 ,thank you1 ,sauce ,pan1 she said1 as he began to move around1 going hither and thither4 ,illustration3 ,thank you1 ,sauce ,pan4 ,the next recipes are ,,no4 #cf4--;,,creamed ,,new ,,cabbage4 #a4 ,cut in half and wash well a young green cabbage4 #b4 ,cut out and throw away the hard stem part4 #c4 ,make ready a kettle of boiling water4 ,put in cabbage4 ,leave uncovered4 #d4 ,when the water boils1 throw in #a teaspoon salt and #a_/d teaspoon baking soda 7or bicarbonate of soda74 #e4 ,boil gently about half hour1 or until it begins to lose its bright green color4 ,lift out with skimmer4 #f4 ,pour over it ,white ,sauce just before serving4 ,illustration3 ,young green cabbage4 ,,no4 #cg4--;,,bread ,,pudding4 #a4 ,cut slices of stale bread into squares of about one half inch4 #b4 ,for #b cups bread1 allow #a pint milk 7#b cups7 #b tablespoons sugar #b eggs #a_/d teaspoon vanilla #c4 ,moisten bread with hot water4 #d4 ,butter pudding dish4 #e4 ,put into it the moistened bread4 #f4 ,beat yolks of eggs2 add sugar2 add milk4 #g4 ,pour this over the bread4 #h4 ,beat whites of eggs4 ,add #b tablespoons powdered sugar4 ,beat well4 #i4 ,spread this over top of pudding4 #aj4 ,bake in moderate oven one half hour4 #aa4 ,serve with ,hard ,sauce or cream4 ,illustration3 ,cut slices of stale bread4 ,,no4 #ch4--;,,banana ,,bread ,,pudding4 ,slice bananas over top of ,bread ,pudding before spreading on whites of eggs 7,no4 #cg74 ,serve with cream or ,hard ,sauce4 ,,no4 #ci4--;,,hard ,,sauce4 #d tablespoons soft butter #c_/d cup powdered sugar #a_/b teaspoon vanilla beaten white of #a egg #a4 ,make bowl and spoon hot with boiling water4 #b4 ,cream or rub butter and sugar together1 adding sugar by spoonfuls4 #c4 ,add vanilla4 #d4 ,beat in the white of egg4 #e4 ,put in a cool place until needed4 ,illustration3 ,to save a yolk4 ,yes1 said ,baking ,dish1 that is very nice2 but if you use the yolk of the egg in the pudding1 it will save it1 and make the pudding better4 ,to save a yolk1 all you have to do 7it was little ,egg ,beater7 is to drop it into a cup and pour a little cold water over the top1 to prevent its drying4 ,you can use it next day1 if you keep it cool4 ,illustration3 ,yes1 that is very nice ,it is wonderful1 said ,mary ,frances1 what you ,kitchen ,people know4 ,if it weren't for your help1 ,i'd be afraid to try to get this dinner4 ,i'd have to make only one thing a day1 as ,mother meant me to do4 ,all the ,kitchen ,people smiled happily4 ,is that the last recipe8 asked ,frying ,pan4 ,no1 said ,mary ,frances4 ,why1 who are you8 ,i'm ,frying ,pan1 of the great ,pan family1 if you please1 ,miss1 answered he4 ,well6 ,well6 ,good friend1 smiled ,mary ,frances1 looking at her book1 your turn has come6 ,illustration3 ,smiled happily ,,no4 #dj4--,,pan-,,broiled ,,beefsteak4 #a4 ,heat an empty frying pan to blue heat1 or until it smokes4 ,no greasing is necessary4 #b4 ,put in the steak4 #c4 ,cook half minute4 #d4 ,turn on other side4 #e4 ,cook about #d minutes4 #f4 ,turn1 and cook about #e minutes longer4 #g4 ,place on a hot platter1 and spread with butter4 #h4 ,sprinkle with a little pepper and salt1 and #a tablespoon finely chopped parsley4 #i4 ,squeeze over it a little lemon juice4 #aj4 ,cover with another platter4 #aa4 ,remove top platter just before serving4 ,,note4--,mutton or ,lamb ,chops are pan-broiled in the same way4 ,illustration3 ,i'm ,frying ,pan4 ,that's it6 cried ,frying ,pan1 delighted4 ,that's as good as broiling1 though it took people a long time to find it out4 ,it is not6 cried ,gridiron ,broiler angrily clicking his wires4 ,it is not1 ,spider6 ,for shame6 said ,mary ,frances4 ,don't call names6 ,he isn't calling names1 answered ,frying ,pan1 that's my other name1 ,frying ,pan ,spider4 ,then to ,gridiron he added1 ,come1 don't let's quarrel1 you'll admit pan-broiling is very nearly as good for chops as broiling over the coals in a broiler1 and quite as good for steaks--nearly4 ,illustration3 ,that's it6 ,i was just getting ready to say1 said ,gridiron1 you didn't mean 'quite4' ,it's time to commence6 loudly struck in ,mantel ,clock4 ,and then ,mary ,frances looked on in amazement4 ,in walked ,basket with the potatoes for the potato soup2 up sprang ,knife ready to pare them2 over ran ,boiler ,pan with some water4 ,why6 ,why6 exclaimed ,mary ,frances4 ,why6 ,illustration3 ,it is not6 ,yes6 said ,tea ,kettle1 we'll do everything in the recipes you've already made4 ,all you need to do is to make the new recipes--with our help1 which ,mary ,frances did4 ,whenever she'd make a mistake1 some one of the ,kitchen ,people would correct and help her4 ,at six o'clock all the dinner was ready to serve1 and the table was set4 ,oh1 thank you1 dear ,kitchen ,people1 said the beaming little girl2 this is the happiest time of my life4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,they're grand6 chuckled ,auntie ,rolling ,pin4 ,can you bake them8 ,illustration3 ,,you ,,dear ,,lovely ,,child1 ,,cried ,,mother4 ,,chapter ,,xxvi ,,mother',s ,,surprise ,,after one last look1 ,mary ,frances1 hearing the sound of carriage wheels1 ran to answer the door before the bell rang2 but ,billy was there1 too1 and they opened the door together4 ,oh1 ,mother6 cried ,mary ,frances2 you dear1 darling ,mother6 ,what a 'cry-baby' ,i am6 7as the tears rolled down her cheeks1 and ,mother kissed her and ,billy and ,father again and again7 ,what a 'cry-baby6' ,which she is not6 declared ,billy4 ,tell ,mother1--,mary ,frances1 ,i can't wait for you to tell your secret6 ,a secret8 smiled ,mother4 ,a secret1 ,mary ,frances8 ,illustration3 ,a secret8 ,oh1 how good something smells6 said ,mother4 ,it makes me hungry4 ,come right out1 then1 said ,mary ,frances1 bowing1 ,dinner is ,served4 ,illustration3 ,you dear1 darling ,mother6 ,here8 asked her mother4 ,i im-ag-ined we'd go over to ,aunt ,maria's4 ,no1 ,mother1 dear1 laughed ,mary ,frances1 happily2 it's the 'surprise' for you4 ,and they went into the dining-room4 ,wh--wh--why6 how did this happen8 asked ,mother4 ,where did this feast come from8 ,everybody laughed and talked at the same time4 ,mary ,frances is guilty1 laughed ,billy2 and ,mary ,frances owned up4 ,mother1 said she1 bringing her worn and somewhat soiled little cook book and putting it in her ,mother's lap1 ,i've made everything6 ,i've gone 'all through' my book6 ,i got dinner to-night6--that's your surprise4 ,illustration3 ,how did this happen8 ,illustration3 ,i've made everything6 ,my own dear1 lovely child6 said ,mother4 ,you dear1 precious baby-woman6 ,and taking ,mary ,frances in her lap1 she hugged and kissed her again and again4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i'm awfully sorry ,i couldn't exactly explain about you--you dear ,kitchen ,people1 whispered ,mary ,frances1 going out to bid them good-night4 ,if it hadn't been for you1 ,i never1 never could have done it1--my dear1 dear1 friends4 ,you'll not need us soon again1 said ,tea ,kettle1 sadly4 ,we're sorry--yet we're glad that your mother will take our place as teacher now4 ,will you help me when ,i do need you8 asked ,mary ,frances4 ,when you do1 they promised1 and she threw them a kiss4 ,good-night1 little ,miss1 they cried2 and when she turned round again1 they looked just like any or-din-ary kitchen utensils4 ,for a minute she felt very lonely2 then1 remembering1 she said gladly1 ,but they promised6 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,oh1 ,mother6 cried ,mary ,frances4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,obvious punctuation errors repaired4 ,page vii1 ,buscuits changed to ,biscuits 7,baking ,powder ,biscuits7 ,the following corrections are all made to illustration captions4 ,as this was only possible to make in the txt version1 these corrections do not appear in the ,,html version4 ,page #eh1 illustration1 scacely changed to scarcely 7,i can scarcely7 ,page #fg1 illustration1 whisper changed to whispered 7,sauce ,pan whispered7 ,page #ie1 illustration1 two instances of riblon were retained on the assumption that it is an example of ,mary ,francis' spelling in her handwritten invitation4 ,page #ih1 illustration1 ,biscuts changed to ,biscuits 7,baking ,powder ,biscuits7 ,page #abd1 illustration1 creace changed to crease 7,make creace through the7 ,page #abd1 illustration1 loke changed to look 7,then it will look like7 ,page #aci1 illustration1 pan changed to ,pan 7,teased ,sauce ,pan7