"Fragments from their dream of human life,"


which Aunt Judy had called absurd nonsense. And absurd nonsense,
indeed, it was; but Aunt Judy was seized by the idea that some good
might be got out of it.

So, in answer to No. 6's wish, she said, with a shy smile:-

"I don't think I could tell Cook Stories half as well as yourself.
But if, by way of a change, you would like a Lady Story instead,
perhaps I might be able to accomplish that."

"A LADY Story! Oh, but that would be so dull, wouldn't it?" inquired
No. 6. "You can't make anything funny out of them, surely! Surely
they never do half such odd things as cooks, and boys in buttons!"

"The ladies themselves think not, of course," was Aunt Judy's reply.

"Well, but what do you think, Aunt Judy?"

"Oh, I don't think it matters what I think. The question is, what do
cooks and boys in buttons think?"

"But, Aunt Judy, ladies are never tiresome, and idle, and
impertinent, like cooks and boys in buttons. Oh! if you had but
heard the REAL Cook Stories those ladies told! I say, let me tell
you one or two--I do think I can remember them, if I try."