Synopsis

Weary of splitting logs for Kate’s aging wood-burner, Uncle Joe attempted to persuade her to invest in a modern electric stove. He insisted that guests were dwindling at the hotel because the old appliance was compromising her cooking. Desperate, Joe penned a letter to Lucius J. Penrose, a food critic from New York, imploring him to visit and sample Kate’s fare. With a new oven and Mr. Penrose's endorsement, he reasoned, the hotel could achieve renown. To expedite matters, Joe subtly disabled th