"And what will he cook to-day, for instance?"
"I suppose he will make an omelet; for the hens have been cackling a great deal this morning, and an omelet is made in a few minutes."
"Is it? So much the better, then; you can show me how to make one, and I will pay you well."
"Go in the hen-coop, sir, and see if you find any eggs. My husband will want three of them; the rest are at your service."
"Where is the hen-coop?" asked Joseph, much pleased.
"Go through the kitchen out into the yard, and you will see a little room with a wooden bolt; that is the hen-coop."
"I go," cried Joseph merrily. Presently great commotion was heard among the hens, and the emperor returned with a glowing face, his hair and coat well sprinkled with straw. He came forward with both hands full of eggs.
"Here are eight," said he. "Three for your husband, and five for me. Now tell me how I must cook them."
"You will have to go to the kitchen, sir. There you will find a flitch of bacon. Cut off some slices, put them in a pan you will see there, and set it on the fire. My neighbor has just now made some for poor John. Then look on the dresser and take some milk and a little flour. Make a batter of them with the eggs, pour it upon your bacon, and when the eggs are done, the omelet is made. It is the easiest thing in the world."
"My dear good woman, it will be a desperately hard task for me," said the emperor with a sigh. "I'm afraid I shall make a very poor omelet. Won't you come into the kitchen and make it for me? Do, I will pay you well."