’Possum helped, too.  There was little outside work for her, but she rode over often, and delighted in forcibly compelling Aileen to rest while she made light of housework and cooking.  To cook with Aileen’s patent stove was always a peculiar joy to her, and no inducement would draw her from the glass-fronted oven while she could watch her scones or pastry developing from dough to crisp perfection.  To Aileen’s remonstrances at being forced to be idle she turned a deaf ear.