Carefully imitating Narcissa's precise movements, Cissy feels compelled to add, "Since it's entirely possible you'll end up eating the burnt portion."

It's not that she doesn't have confidence in her skills; quite to the contrary. She's already succeeded in burning one kitchen, who's to say she couldn't manage a second time with a little effort? And with Narcissa's guiding hand, who's to say that couldn't be limited to specific part of the meal?

There's only so many pieces a carrot can be cut into before it becomes carrot mush, and she lays her knife aside to wait for further instruction. If she concentrates on the task before her, she won't have to give in to the urge to turn and stare.