was strong need for some one to break the ice. Fortunately,
Bessie's mother called that evening, and some of her time was spent
below-stairs. What she said there only Ellen and Jane knew, but it
had its effect, and for two or three weeks the jewels worked almost
as satisfactorily as did Norah, the new girl, and quite
harmoniously.

"Bessie," said Thaddeus, one night as they ate their supper, "does
it occur to you that the roast is a little overdone to-night?"

"Yes, Teddy, it is very much overdone. I must speak to Ellen about
it. She is a little careless about some things. I've told her
several times that you like your beef rare."

"Well, I'd tell her again. Constant dropping of water on its
surface will wear away a stone, and I think, perhaps, the constant
dropping of an idea on a cook's head may wear away some of the
thickest parts of that--at least, until it is worn thin enough for
the idea to get through to where her brain ought to be. You might
say to her, too, that for several nights past dinner has been cold."

"I'll speak to her in the morning," was Bessie's reply; and the dear
little woman was true to her purpose.

"She explained about the beef and the cold dinner, Ted," she said,
when Thaddeus came home that afternoon.

"Satisfactorily to all hands, I hope?" said Thaddeus, with his usual
smile.