e plainly, and this is the reason why simplicity is the key-note of
English cookery. A fine joint of mutton roasted to a turn, a plain fried
sole with anchovy butter a broiled chop or steak or kidney, fowls or
game cooked English fashion, potatoes baked in their skins and eaten
with butter and salt, a rasher of Wiltshire bacon and a new-laid egg,
where will you beat these? I will go so far as to say no country can
produce a bourgeoises dish which can be compared with steak and kidney
pudding. But the point I want to press home is that Italian cookery
comes to the aid of those who cannot well afford to buy those prime
qualities of meat and fish which allow of this perfectly plain
treatment. It is, as I have already said, the cookery of a nation short
of cash and unblessed with such excellent meat and fish and vegetables
as you lucky islanders enjoy. But it is rich in clever devices of
flavouring, and in combinations, and I am sure that by its help English
people of moderate means may fare better and spend less than they spend
now, if only they will take a little trouble."

Menu--Lunch

Gnocchi alla Romana. Semolina with parmesan.
Filetto di Bue al pistacchi. Fillet of beef with pistachios
Bodini marinati. Marinated rissoles.

Menu--Dinner.

Zuppa Crotopo. Croute au pot soup.
Sogliole alla Veneziana. Fillets of sole.
Ateletti alla Sarda. Atelets of ox-palates, &c.
Costolette di Montone alla Nizzarda. Mutton cutlets.
Pollo alla Fiorentina. Fowl with macaroni.
Crema tartara alla Caramella. Caramel cream.
Uova rimescolati al tartufi. Eggs with truffles.

The Sixth Day

The following morning, at breakfast, a servant announced that Sir John
Oglethorpe was taking his breakfast in his room, and that there was no
need to keep anything in reserve for him. It was stated, however, that
Sir John was in no way indisposed, and that he would join the party at
lunch.

He seated himself in his usual place, placid and fresh as ever; but,
unharmed as he was physically, it was evident to all the company that
he was suffering from some mental discomposure. Miss Macdonnell, with a
frank curiosity which might have been trying in any one else, asked him
point-blank the reason of his absence from the meal for which, in
spite of his partiality for French cookery, he had a tr