Mrs.Morel made a big and magnificent cake.

Then, feeling queenly, she showed Paul how to blanch almonds.

He skinned the long nuts reverently, counting them all, to see not one was lost.

It was said that eggs whisked better in a cold place.
So the boy stood in the scullery, where the temperature was nearly at freezing-point, and whisked and whisked, and flew in excitement to his mother as the white of egg grew stiffer and more snowy.
"Just look, mother! Isn't it lovely ?" And he balanced a bit on his nose, then blew it in the air.
"Now, don't waste it," said the mother.
Everybody was mad with excitement.

William was coming on Christmas Eve.
Mrs.Morel surveyed her pantry.