And now space warns me that our chat over the tea-table must come to an end. I hope that the few simple recipes I have given will be found both good and economical. Too economical perhaps for some of my friends, but I would remind all who wish for richer cakes that in the many excellent cookery-books, both French and English, now published, they will find recipes which cannot fail to win their most cordial appreciation. Yet in all humility I venture to hope these few hints of mine may win a meed of fainter praise from those who, appreciating dainty cookery, have yet to study economy in their household management. [Illustration] THE HOUSE WITH THE VERANDAH. BY ISABELLA FYVIE MAYO, Author of “Other People’s Stairs,” “Her Object in Life,” etc. CHAPTER XI. A MOTHER AT HOME. “This holiday season is bad for advertisements,” Miss Latimer decided. “I fear you must give another trial to registry offices. Other methods take time, especially private recommendations among shopkeepers or acquaintances—which is the best. You have only a week in which to make your arrangements. But do not go again to great registry offices, which let down their nets in wide waters, and catch many queer fish. I know a little quiet registry about midway between this house and my lodgings. Not a big professional place, my dear, but a shop. I suppose the registry is little more than an adjunct to the shop. But when I pass, I see a great many young women going in and out.” “Should I have to go there to meet them?” asked Lucy, with a look of repugnance. “Oh, dear, no,” Miss Latimer answered. “That is not done save in the big offices, unless an appointment is desired by some mistress from the country. Young women who seem likely to suit are sent to wait upon you in your house. If you decide on this, you can go there and give instructions to-morrow morning; I can keep house and look after Hugh during your absence. I wish I could give you better advice, but I think you must avail yourself of this for the present urgent necessity.”