"Taught? No, ma'am. I picked up what little I know from me mother. 'Tis simple enough, but too simple for what you need."
"If you'll try to learn, here's what we've planned. Kate needs a helper. Not because she isn't strong and hearty, but because Mr. Emerson and I want her to have a little more time for pleasure than she has had for a good many years. She won't take a real vacation, so we are going to give her a partial vacation."
"Me being the helper?" inquired Moya, her thin face lighting.
"More than the helper. Kate has agreed to teach you how to cook all the dishes that it will be necessary to cook for the women and children this summer. You couldn't have a better teacher."
"I'm sure of it," answered the young woman, turning gratefully to Kate. "I'll do my very best."
"You shall have a room for yourself and the baby, and wages," and she named a sum that made Moya's eyes burn.
"I'm not worth that yet," she cried, "but I know you'll need me to dress respectable, so I'll not refuse it and I'll get some decent things for the baby and mesilf!"
"If Kate finds that you take hold well she'll teach you more elaborate cooking. There's always a place waiting somewhere for a good cook, and here's your chance to learn to be a really excellent cook."
So the problem of obtaining a cook was settled without trouble, and as Ethel Brown found Mrs. Schuler not only ready but eager to act as Matron, two of the possible difficulties seemed to have proved themselves no difficulties at all.