This section is from the book "A Manual Of Home-Making", by Martha Van Rensselaer. Also available from Amazon: A Manual of Home-Making.
Method of making: (1) Melt half of the butter; (2) add the flour and seasonings; (3) stir the mixture over the fire until it bubbles; (4) remove it from the fire; (5) add the hot water gradually; (6) return the mixture to the fire and boil it, stirring it constantly; (7) add the remaining butter in small pieces.
 
Continue to: