Life — June 7, 1906 — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

-LIFE- An Experiment in Gastronomy HE Witherbys had been practically without a cook for wee That is, they had had cooks by spasms. Mrs. Witherby was reduced to condition of nervous prostration. Witherby little better. One moming he said: ow, my dear, T have come to a con- clusion, There is something radically wrong about your methods of getting a cook, A matter that has a direct bearing on our happiness and is so important to all of us should be treated in a business- like way. You can always get some one if you are willing to pay the price. Will you let me try?” “All right,” said Mrs. Witherby, ren- dered desperate, “by all means try if you wish, I certainly have got to the end of my rope. “Very well forty-eight hours.” Witherby made arrangements with his office to take a day or so off, and forth- with started out on his quest He did not, however, approach his task in the cut and dried spirit of the jaded housekeeper, worn out mentally and physically by a hopeless problem. He brought to it all the enthusiasm of his long business training After a day spent in looking over the field, he said: “T have already arrived at a conclu- Expect a cook inside of sion “But nota cook,” said Mrs. Witherby, with a feeble attempt at satire “Don’t be so hasty. Half the battle is to know the nature of the difficulties. In this instance the trouble is apparent. The times are changing, and we are not willing to adjust ourselves to the new order, been able to get a cook is because you haven't been willing to pay enough.” “But, good gracious, didn’t we pay the last one $22 a month and no wash- ing? Why, five years ago I got them for $18." “But don’t you see that in order to get one you must be willing to outbid others. Where there is a limited supply, it is simply a question of how much you are willing to pay. We must economize else- where, but a cook we must have at any My dear, the reason you haven’t price, and now that I understand the matter, I'll have one for you in a day.” “All right!” exclaimed Mrs. Witherby. “Tf you want to pay the price you can. But I think it is an imposition to pay more than $22.” “Never you mind. Wait and see.” That evening he came home tired, but serene “Our troubles are over,” he sdid, con- fidently. “Our cook is coming to-mor- row. “Where much” “Never you mind, Don’t you ask me a question, Only remember this. She understands her business thoroughly. She bears exactly the same relation to the kitchen that an expert accountant does to a set of books, if you can appreciate the allusion. Keep out of her way, sup- ply her with what she wants, let me pay the bills, and be happy for once in your life.” The next morning the new cook came on schedule time. She was a calm, self- contained person, with a perfect mastery of herart. The moment she stepped into the house her touch was felt. That evening Witherby faced his wife at dinner with a happy smile. “Well, my dear, how is it? How do you like her Mrs. Witherby beamed. “T must say,” she said, “that she does. know how to cook. Why, dear, she has taken entire charge. She knows every- thing. Hot breads, cakes, pies, pastry of all kinds, fancy dishes—everything Why, she knows as much as any hotel chef.” “Isn't it grand to have a woman like that?” “Tt certainly is nice.” For dinner they had a cream soup, soft shell crabs, steaks and niushrooms with potatoes a la Parisienne, macaroni au gratin, a delicious salad, snow pud- ding with home-made macaroons and did you get her? How “This is something like,” said With erby,.as he settled back for a peaceful smoke. The next moming they had fruit, stewed kidneys, hot biscuits, wafiles and cinnamon, and coffee. “Grand!” exclaimed Witherby. That evening for dinner they had asparagus soup, timbales of sole, chicken croquettes, with four fancy vegetables, salad, strawberry shortcake and cofice At the end of the fifth day Witherby r, did you ever tak Solid comfort in your life?” “Never!” replied Mrs. “How much” 2 “‘Never you mind! Neither did I. It’s worth it. But I’m going to make a sug- gestion. I think we might cut down on the breakfast a little. The truth is, I’m eating too much. Tell her not to have hot bread more than every other day.”” “But, my dear, if I did that, she might not like it. You knowa fine cook doesn’t like to be interfered with.” “Well, can’t you throw out a hint?” “Why don’t you?” “No! [haven't your tact.” “Nonsense!”” “Let's wait.” Waiting, however, did not better the situation. “T thought,” said Witherby, twenty- four hours later, ‘that the tirst day or so she was showing off, that she really hadn't gotten her hand in. It scems to me these meals of ours get more elaborate all the time.” He toyed aimlessly with a patty. “How do you feel?” he asked. Mrs. Witherby was looking a trifle pale. “Well, if you really must know,” she said, “I feel as if I never wanted another thing to eat in my life.” “T feel the same. We can’t keep this up, can we “T don’t see how we can any more Witherby. The worst Spaniel: wy WHAT RIGHT DO YOU CLAN TO BE A SON OF THE REVOLUTION? Boston Terrier: OX®. OF MY ANCESTORS BARKED: AT GOVERNOR GAGE AFTER BUNKER HILL.