Let me have some eggs , a piece of wild boar , and such and such roots and herbs for the soup ; and as for the dumplings , ' he added in a low voice to the head cook , ' I shall want four different kinds of meat , some wine , a duck 's marrow , some ginger , and a herb called heal-well . ' ` Why , ' cried the astonished cook , ` where did you learn cooking ? Yes , those are the exact materials , but we never used the herb heal-well , which , I am sure , must be an improvement . ' And now Jem was allowed to try his hand . He could not nearly reach up to the kitchen range , but by putting a wide plank on two chairs he managed very well . All the cooks stood round to look on , and could not help admiring the quick , clever way in which he set to work . At last , when all was ready , Jem ordered the two dishes to be put on the fire till he gave the word . Then he began to count : ` One , two , three , ' till he got to five hundred when he cried , ` Now ! ' The saucepans were taken off , and he invited the head cook to taste . The first cook took a golden spoon , washed and wiped it , and handed it to the head cook , who solemnly approached , tasted the dishes , and smacked his lips over them . ` First rate , indeed ! ' he exclaimed . ` You certainly are a master of the art , little fellow , and the herb heal-well gives a particular relish . ' As he was speaking , the duke 's valet came to say that his highness was ready for luncheon , and it was served at once in silver dishes . The head cook took Jem to his own room , but had hardly had time to question him before he was ordered to go at once to the grand duke . He hurried on his best clothes and followed the messenger . The grand duke was looking much pleased . He had emptied the dishes , and was wiping his mouth as the head cook came in . ` Who cooked my luncheon to-day ? ' asked he . '
I must say your dumplings are always very good ; but I do n't think I ever tasted anything so delicious XXXXX they were to-day .
At as before by for in of on till to