It was some time before the perfect loaf appeared , for bread-making is an art not easily learned , and Aunt Plenty was very thorough in her teaching ; so Rose studied yeast first , and through various stages of cake and biscuit came at last to the crowning glory of the `` handsome , wholesome loaf . '' It appeared at tea-time , on a silver salver , proudly borne in by Phebe , who could not refrain from whispering , with a beaming face , as she set it down before Dr. Alec , `` Ai n't it just lovely , sir ? '' `` It is a regularly splendid loaf ! Did my girl make it all herself ? '' he asked , surveying the shapely , sweet-smelling object with real interest and pleasure . `` Every particle herself , and never asked a bit of help or advice from anyone , '' answered Aunt Plenty , folding her hands with an air of unmitigated satisfaction , for her pupil certainly did her great credit . `` I 've had so many failures and troubles that I really thought I never should be able to do it alone . Dolly let one splendid batch burn up because I forgot it . She was there and smelt it , but never did a thing , for she said , when I undertook to bake bread I must give my whole mind to it . Was n't it hard ? She might have called me at least , '' said Rose , recollecting , with a sigh , the anguish of that moment . `` She meant you should learn by experience , as Rosamond did in that little affair of the purple jar , you remember . '' `` I always thought it very unfair in her mother not to warn the poor thing a little bit ; and she was regularly mean when Rosamond asked for a bowl to put the purple stuff in , and she said , in such a provoking way , ' I did not agree to lend you a bowl , but I will , my dear . ' Ugh ! I always want to shake that hateful woman , though she was a moral mamma . '' `` Never mind her now , but tell me all about my loaf , '' said Dr. Alec , much amused at Rose 's burst of indignation . `` There 's nothing to tell , uncle , except that I did my best , gave my mind to it , and sat watching over it all the while it was in the oven till I was quite baked myself . Everything went right this time , and it came out a nice , round , crusty loaf , as you see . Now taste it , and tell me if it is good as well as handsome . '' `` Must I cut it ?
Ca n't I XXXXX it under a glass cover and keep it in the parlor as they do wax flowers and fine works of that sort ? ''
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