"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?"