And all things beautiful. Whom when I saw,

"Madam," said I, "they tell me, who should know,

That you have skill of Mrs. Beeton's art.

If that be so—" She nodded "Yes," and I

Assumed a courage, though I had it not,

And spoke again: "Then tell me, if you will,

Of your experience and past career.

Whence come you?" And the cook—why not?—replied:

"I come from haunts of bomb and shell,

I've toyed with lathes and gauges,