People generally do n't read recipes upside down -- and besides , you did n't quite cover up your portfolio . I see a corner of it sticking out . Was genius burning before I came in ? It 's too bad if I quenched the flame . '' `` A cookery book is n't such a novelty to me as you seem to think , Aunt Susanna , '' I said , as meekly as it was possible for me . `` Why I 'm a real good cook -- ` if I do say it as had n't orter . ' '' I am , too . `` Well , I 'm glad to hear it , '' said Aunt Susanna skeptically , `` because that has to do with my errand her to-day . I 'm in a peck of troubles . Firstly , Miranda Mary 's mother has had to go and get sick and Miranda Mary must go home to wait on her . Secondly , I 've just had a telegram from my sister-in-law who has been ordered west for her health , and I 'll have to leave on to-night 's train to see her before she goes . I ca n't get back until the noon train Thursday , and that is Thanksgiving , and I 've invited Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert to dinner that day . They 'll come on the same train . I 'm dreadfully worried . There does n't seem to be anything I can do except get on of you girls to go up to the Pinery Thursday morning and cook the dinner for us . Do you think you can manage it ? '' We all felt rather dismayed , and nobody volunteered with a rush . But as I had just boasted that I could cook it was plainly my duty to step into the breach , and I did it with fear and trembling . `` I 'll go , Aunt Susanna , '' I said . `` And I 'll help you , '' said Kate .
`` Well , I suppose I 'll have to try you , '' said Aunt Susanna with the air of a woman determined XXXXX make the best of a bad business .
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