es at Kittery Point, to think much about Petty's love affairs, and
before luncheon was over a diversion was created, which made her entirely
forget it.

For some time, "Aunt Sally Jefferson," the cook at Leslie Manor had been
ailing, and had recently gone away to "res' up." Mrs. Bonnell knew well
enough that it was useless to protest. These "res'in' ups" were
periodical. Usually she substituted a colored woman who lived at Luray,
but Rebecca had taken a permanent situation and was not available.

Jefferson came to her rescue. He had a "lady frien'" who could cook
nearly as well as his mother. Mrs. Bonnell was skeptical, but it was a
case of "needs must when the de'il drives," and Juno Daphne came as
substitute cook. Then Mrs. Bonnell's trials began. One morning girl after
girl left her fried smelts untasted though ordinarily they were a rare
delicacy in that part of the world.

Mrs. Bonnell investigated. What _was_ the trouble? Had Juno prepared them
properly?

"Yas'm I did. I just done fry 'em."

"Did you clean and wash them carefully?" persisted Mrs. Bonnell.

"No'm. Dey's such triflin' fish I ain' see no sense 'n botherin' ter
clean and wash 'em."

The next morning such smelts as had been left uncooked for the previous
breakfast, came to the table a truly tempting sight, but with the first
mouthful a distinct murmur arose and Mrs. Bonnell exclaimed: "Mercy upon
me! _What_ has she done this time?"

Inquiries followed.

"Yas _ma'am_. I done wash 'em _good_ dis time. I wash 'em wid dat sof'
soap what Aunt Sally done made befo' she took sick!"

And then for more than a week all went serenely. Now dessert was being
brought on. Mrs. Bonnell always served it. Wesley came in from the pantry
bearing a large platter upon which rested a mold of pudding of the most
amazing color mortal eye ever rested upon. It was a vivid beautiful
sky-blue and Wesley disclosed every ivory in his ample mouth as he set
the dish upon the table. Mrs. Bonnell had ordered corn-starch pudding
with chocolate sauce. When she looked upon the viand before her she gave
a little cry of dismay.

"Wesley what is it?"

"De Lawd on'y know, Miss. I sho' don'. Dat Juno done sent it in."

"Go at once and ask her what she used in making this pudding. I have
never seen its equal."

"Ner I," chuckled Wesley as he hurried off. In five minutes he was back,
his hand across his mouth and struggling manfully not to disgrace
himself.

"Well?" queried Mr