They were most cordially received by the mayor's wife.  Within fifteen minutes they had the satisfaction of sitting down to one of the most satisfying meals they had ever had.  Not only was everything well cooked, but there was a great variety of viands.  They were all particularly impressed with the toothsomeness of the meat which the maid served, so much so that Paul could not refrain from remarking: "Mr. Bailey, I never ate sweeter chicken than that."