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“No, it’s the toasting fork, with Mother’s shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth’s stage-struck!” cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter.

As the book opens, Ettie, holding the toasting fork, answers the doorbell.

The waiters came out of the kitchen with meat cleavers, toasting forks, iron pots and frying pans to arm everyone.

A black pan, a bowl and a toasting fork sit on a folded white cloth on a dark grey table; the background is a warm brown.

That discreet hour was on the wane before Mr. Horrobin was to be seen at work with a kettle, a caddy, and a toasting fork.