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 ?" "Take her!" repeated Mrs.Tolbridge, with some irritation.

"What could I do with a woman like that?
She would want enormous wages.

She would have to have kitchen maids, and I know not whom, besides, to wait on her; and as for our plain style of living, she could not be expected to stand that.

She would be entirely out of place in a house like this." "Her looks were enough to settle her case," said Dora.