“But there was that funny old body in a shawl,” said Dora, “who made no objections to churches, or anything else in fact, as soon as she found out your husband wasn’t in trade.”

“True,” replied Mrs. Tolbridge; “she didn’t object, but she was objectionable.”

Miss Panney was beginning to fasten her wrap about her.  She had heard quite enough, but still she deigned to snap out:—­

“What was the matter with her?”

“Oh, she was entirely out of the question,” said the lady of the house.  “In the first place, she was the widow of a French chef, or somebody of that sort, and has a wonderful opinion of her abilities.  She understands all kinds of cooking,—­plain or fancy.”

“And even butter,” said Dora; “she said she knew all about that.”

“Yes; and she understood how butcher’s meat should be cut, and the choosing of poultry, and I know not what else besides.”

“And only asked,” cried Dora, laughing, “if your husband was in trade; and when she heard that he was a professional man, was perfectly willing to come.”

Miss Panney turned toward Mrs. Tolbridge, sat up very straight in her chair, and glared.

“Was not this the very woman you were looking for?  Why didn’t you take her?”

“Take her!” repeated Mrs. Tolbridge, with some irritation.  “What could I do with a woman like that?  She would want enormous wages.  She would have to have kitchen maids, and I know not whom, besides, to wait on her; and as for our plain style of living, she could not be expected to stand that.  She would be entirely out of place in a house like this.”

“Her looks were enough to settle her case,” said Dora.  “You never saw such an old witch; she would frighten the horses.”

“Kitty Tolbridge,” said Miss Panney, severely, “did you ask that woman if she wanted high wages, if she required kitchen maids, if she would be satisfied to cook for your family?”

“No, I didn’t,” said the other; “I knew it was of no use.  It was plain to see that she would not do at all.”

“Did you get her address?”

“Yes,” said Dora; “she gave me a card as we were going out, and insisted on my taking it.  It is in my bag at home.”

Miss Panney was silent for a moment, and was evidently endeavoring to cool her feelings so as to speak without indignation.

“Kitty Tolbridge,” she said presently, “I think you have deliberately turned your back on one of the greatest opportunities ever offered to a woman with a valuable husband.  There are husbands who have no value, and who might as well be hurried to their graves by indigestion as in any other way, but the doctor is not one of these.  Now, whatever you know of that woman proves her to be the very person who should be in your kitchen at this moment; and whatever you have said against her is all the result of your imagination.  If I were in your place, I would take the next train for the city; and before