You know,
dear boy, that I am easily satisfied. I expect very little from
anyone. But I think that I am entitled to prompt and willing
service. That, at the very least! Yet I must tell you that Mabel, my
cook, has left me most ungratefully after only three months' notice!
She is to be married to Bob Summers, the plumber. (Lieutenant Robert
Summers, since the war, if you please!) Well, she can never say I
did not warn her. I did not mince matters. I told her exactly what
married life is, and why I have never tried it. But the foolish girl
is beyond advice. I have had two cooks since Mabel, but one insisted
upon whistling in the kitchen and the other served omelette made
with one egg. My wants are trifling, as you know, but one cannot
abrogate all personal dignity--'
"Do you get the subtle connection between the one egg and Aunt
Caroline's personal dignity?" asked Spence with anxiety. "Because if
you don't, I'll never be able to ask you to live in Bainbridge. I
may as well confess now that it was only my serene confidence in
your sense of humor which permitted me to marry you at all. I should
never have dared to offer Aunt Caroline as an 'in-law' to anyone who
couldn't see a joke."
"You are very fond of her all the same," said Desire shrewdly. "And
though she expects very little from anyone, she evidently adores
you. She can't be all funny. There must be an Aunt Caroline, deep
down, that is not funny at all. I think I'm rather afraid of her.
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