tough

tup-mutton,

stringy

cow-beef, or

stale

fish, at a very little less than the price of prime and proper food. With

savings

like these they toddle home in triumph, cackling all the way, like a goose that has got ankle-deep into good luck. All the skill of the most accomplished cook will avail nothing unless she is furnished with prime provisions. The best way to procure these is to deal with shops of established character: you may appear to pay, perhaps, ten

per cent.

more than you would were you to deal with those who pretend to sell cheap, but you would be much more than in that proportion better served.