A Thousand Ways To Please A Husband With Bettina's Best Recipes - free ebook by Helen Cowles LeCron

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A Thousand Ways To Please A Husband With Bettina's Best Recipes

Helen Cowles LeCron

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152 chapters

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER I

"Why that contented sigh?" asked Bob. "Because our wedding trip is over? Well, anyhow, Bettina, it's after five. Shall we have dinner at the hotel?" "Hotel? Why, Bob! with our house and our dishes and our silver just waiting for us? I'm ashamed of you! We'll take the first car for home—a street-car, not a taxi! Our extravagant days are over, and the time has come to show you that Bettina knows how to keep house. You think that you love me now, Bobby, but just wait till you sit down to a real str

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CHAPTER II

CHAPTER II

"Steak is expensive, dear, and you'll not get it often, but as this is our first real dinner in our own home, I had to celebrate. I bought enough for two meals, because buying steak for one meal for two people is beyond any modest purse! So you'll meet that steak again tomorrow, but I don't believe that you'll bow in recognition!" "So you marketed today, did you?" "Indeed I did! I bought a big basket, and went at it like a seasoned housekeeper. I had all the staples to get, you know, and lots of

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CHAPTER III

CHAPTER III

Bettina left the telephone with more misgivings than her tone had indicated. She couldn't disappoint Bob, and she liked unexpected company, but the dinner which she had planned was prepared largely from the recipes filed as "left-overs" in her box of indexed cards. "Well, Bob will like it, anyhow," she declared confidently, "and if Alice can come, we'll have enough scintillating table-talk to make up for disappointments." Alice accepted with delight, promising to wear "a dream of a gown that jus

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CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER IV

"Yes," said Bettina, "and those maline bows on the basket of roses actually attended my wedding. And after this is over, you may see that maline again. I expect to press it out and put it away for other pink luncheons in other Junes! Today, since my guests were to be just my bridesmaids, I thought that a pink luncheon would be the most appropriate kind." "Isn't it fine to be in Bettina's own house? I can't realize it!" said Ellen. "And the idea of daring to cook a whole luncheon and serve it in

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CHAPTER V

CHAPTER V

"Why, Bob, dear! Good for you! How did you get home so early?" "I caught a ride with Dixon in his new car. And I thought you might need me to help get dinner; it's nice to be needed! But here I've been picturing you toiling over a hot stove, and, instead, I find you on the porch with a magazine, as cool as a cucumber!" "The day of toiling over a hot stove in summer is over. At least for anyone with sense! But I'm glad you did come home early, and you can help with dinner. Will you make the Frenc

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CHAPTER VI

CHAPTER VI

That afternoon Bettina looked anxiously through the living room window across the bare little front yard. If only critical Cousin Matilda had waited a few months before coming! But then, the only thing to do was to be as cheerful about it as possible—— "So this is little Bettina!" said a majestic voice at the door. "And how is love in a cottage? How charmingly simple everything is!" "They planned it all just as they wanted it," explained Bettina's mother proudly. "On a small scale, of course, bu

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CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER VII

"Yes, indeed, I will go!" Bettina answered him. "Is it nearly ten o'clock? Oh, yes, nine forty-five. I'll go at once and get ready." Cousin Henry had arrived late Saturday evening. He was filling the pulpit of a friend that Sunday morning. Bettina finished arranging the low bowl of pansies which was to be her table decoration. "For the dinner table," she explained to Cousin Henry. "And Bob," she said as they walked to church (Cousin Henry was ahead with an old friend), "I do believe he was worri

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CHAPTER VIII

CHAPTER VIII

"Bettina, let me help you unpack. Everything looks so dainty and interesting!" said Alice, as Bob and Mr. Harrison strolled off toward the river. "You ought to have allowed me to bring something, although I'll admit that I do enjoy being surprised. You were a dear to bring me with you!" "I?" said Bettina. "Of course I'm glad to have you here—no one is better fun—but I wish you had heard something that Bob told me. He and Harry Harrison were planning to go fishing today, all by themselves, until

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CHAPTER IX

CHAPTER IX

"Do come in," begged Bettina, "and have a little lunch with us. After such a bountiful dinner, we really ought not to be hungry, but I confess that the lovely drive home has given me an appetite. And you've never been here for a meal! Don't be frightened, Uncle John, I really thought of this yesterday, and my cupboard isn't entirely bare. It would be so much fun to show you our things and the house!" "I'm not afraid I won't be fed well," said Uncle John, "but those clouds are black in the east.

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CHAPTER X

CHAPTER X

"How dear of you, Ruth!" said Bettina, as she put away the breakfast dishes. "Well, you shall have the benefit of everything that I know. Bob and I began with the kitchen when we planned this little house. It seemed so important. I expected to spend a great deal of time here, and I was determined to have it cheerful and convenient. I never could see why a kitchen should not be a perfectly beautiful room, as beautiful as any in the whole house!" "Yours is, Bettina," said Ruth, warmly, as she look

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CHAPTER XI

CHAPTER XI

"Fine, Betty! We'll do it again! I don't object at all to getting up early when I'm once up! And we ought to get out and play tennis before breakfast every day." "I knew you'd like it when you'd tried it once. But it took my birthday to make you willing to celebrate this way." "Just you wait till you see what I have for you at home! I made it all myself, with a little help from Ruth!" "Oh, Bob, is that what you've been doing all these evenings? I'm so anxious to see it! I've begrudged the time y

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CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII

"Now, Charlie, you know that all girls have to learn at some time or other," interrupted Bettina's mother. "And I believe that Bob has fared pretty well, considering that Bettina is just beginning to keep house——" "I should say so!" said Bob, heartily. "Why, I'm getting fat! I was weighed to-day, and——" "Don't say any more, Bob! We'll rent the house and take to boarding! If you get fat——" "No boarding-houses for mine! Not after your cooking, Bettina! I had enough of boarding before I was married

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CHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIII

"Good for you, Bob! They can't have a single lump in them after that! About the most unappetizing thing I can think of is lumpy mashed potato, or mashed potato that is heavy and unseasoned. More milk? You'd better use plenty. Here! Now watch me toss them lightly into this hot dish and put a little parsley and a lump of butter on the top. There, doesn't that look delicious?" "I should say so! And look at the fancy tomatoes, each one with a cover! What on earth is inside?" "Just wait till you tast

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CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XIV

"Why, this is a mixture of green and black tea," said Bettina. "I like that better for iced tea than either kind alone." "I like tea," said Fred, "although perhaps that isn't considered a manly sentiment in this country. I hope you do too, Ruth. Nothing seems so cozy to me as tea and toast. And I like iced tea like this in the summertime. An uncle of mine is very fond of tea, and has offered to send me some that he considers particularly fine. I believe that Orange Pekoe is his favorite." "I thi

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CHAPTER XV

CHAPTER XV

"It's all in the fireless cooker! Why?" "Couldn't you manage to make a picnic supper of it? One of the men at the office has invited us to go motoring to-night with him and his wife, and, of course, I said we'd be delighted. They're boarding, poor things, and I asked if we couldn't bring the supper. He seemed glad to have me suggest it. I suppose he hasn't had any home cooking for months. Do you suppose you could manage the lunch? How about it?" "Why, let me think! How soon must we start?" "We'l

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CHAPTER XVI

CHAPTER XVI

"Why, Mrs. Dixon; how do you do?" she said, as she opened the door and recognized the visitor. "Won't you come in?" It must be admitted that Bettina was somewhat embarrassed at the unexpected call at so unconventional a time. Mrs. Dixon was dressed in a trim street costume, but under her veil Bettina could see that her eyes were red, and her lips quivered as she answered: "Forgive me for coming so early, but I just had to. I know you'll think me silly to talk to you confidentially when I met you

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CHAPTER XVII

CHAPTER XVII

"Fine for you, chef! Have it on the porch, will you? It's the most beautiful morning of the year, I do believe! But you must give me something to do. Let me set the table, will you?" "Well, you can do that, but get me an apron first. Be sure you get one that'll be becoming!" Bettina went to a deep drawer in the pantry, of which the breakfast alcove was a part, and selected a white bungalow apron with red dots. "Here, put your arms through this! There, how 'chic' you look! Bob, do you realize tha

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CHAPTER XVIII

CHAPTER XVIII

"O Bettina, it's lovely!" cried all the guests in a chorus. "But weren't you awfully extravagant?" "Wait till I tell you. Perhaps I ought not to give myself away, but I am prouder of our little economies than of anything else; we've had such fun over them. This is some old wicker furniture that Mother had in her attic, all but this chair, that came from Aunt Nell's. Bob mended it very carefully, and then enameled it this dull green color. I have been busy with these cretonne hangings and cushion

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CHAPTER XIX

CHAPTER XIX

"Then we haven't much to quarrel about, have we, Betty? That is true in more than one sense. But I'm sure that this way seems to suit us to a T." "I'm even saving money, Bob." "I don't see how you can when you give me such good things to eat, and when we have so much company." "Well, I plan ahead, you know—plan for my left-overs before they are left, even. I do think that an instinct for buying and planning is better than an instinct for cooking. And either one can be cultivated. But it was cert

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CHAPTER XX

CHAPTER XX

"Oh, but he will!" Bettina assured her. "He'll think he's the luckiest man in town, and I almost believe that he is! He'll love that dear little white house with the screened porch! Why, the very grass looks as if it longed to spell 'Welcome' like some of the door mats I've seen! And think of the flower boxes! You were very fortunate to rent it for a year, furnished so nicely, and probably when that time is up you'll be ready to build or buy one of your own." "You are a dear to cheer me up this

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CHAPTER XXI

CHAPTER XXI

"If Bob would only come home early, how nice it would be!" she thought. "Perhaps that's he at the telephone now." However, it proved to be Mrs. Dixon. "I phoned to ask you if I should throw away the yolks of two eggs. I've just used the whites." "Oh, no, Mrs. Dixon! Beat them up well, and add a little cold water to them. Then set them in the ice-box. They will be just as good later as they would be now. You may want them for salad dressing or something else." "If I ever have the white of the egg

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CHAPTER XXII

CHAPTER XXII

"You talk to him," said Mrs. Dixon. "I don't know a thing about a refrigerator; that's why I begged you to come." "Well," considered Bettina, her red brown head on one side, "we want one that will hold not less than a hundred pounds of ice. The large ones are much more economical in the long run. Here, Mrs. Dixon, is a hundred-pound fellow. May we examine it, please?" "Certainly, madam." "No, this won't do. See, Mrs. Dixon, the trap is in the bottom of the food chamber. That is wasteful and inco

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CHAPTER XXIII

CHAPTER XXIII

"Don't get your hopes too high!" said Bettina. "Though I will promise you one treat, wild roses on the table. Bob and I walked out into the country last evening and found them." "What can I do?" inquired Mrs. Dixon, when she and Bettina were alone in the kitchen. "You can sit here and talk to me while these potatoes are cooking and the veal birds getting done. You see, the birds have already cooked three-quarters of an hour this morning before I went to church. The waxed beans are in the fireles

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CHAPTER XXIV

CHAPTER XXIV

"Not now. You see, I've been practicing every evening with Frank, and he says that I am as good a driver as he is! Oh, Bettina, we are having so much fun these days! The little house is a great success, and I'm really learning to cook! I've had some dreadful failures; but Frank doesn't seem to mind. You see, I know he gets a good meal downtown at noon, and so I don't worry about him." "Look, Charlotte! What lovely goldenrod! We must stop and get some! Don't you love it?" "Indeed I do! I have a r

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CHAPTER XXV

CHAPTER XXV

Bettina smiled to herself at Bob's casual tone. Ought she to ask him not to invite company without consulting her? "No!" she decided emphatically. "Company or no company, our meals shall be simple, but good enough for anybody. I'll not change my menu for Alice and Mr. Harrison. I'm sure they'll like it just as it is." "To tell the truth, Bettina," said Alice's vivacious voice over the telephone, "I'd love to come, if it weren't for that—that man!" "But, Alice, you're going to see him later." "I

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CHAPTER XXVI

CHAPTER XXVI

"Hello, Charlotte!" said Bettina, quickly. "What in the world is the trouble?" "The worst yet!" came a nervous voice. "Frank's Aunt Isabel is to be at our house tonight! Oh, I wish you knew her! She never did approve of me!" "Oh, Charlotte, you just imagine that! She wouldn't come if she disliked you so!" "That's just it! She didn't approve of me when we lived at the hotel, and now that we've taken a house, she wants to see how things are." "Well, things are fine! Doesn't Frank say so?" "Yes, of

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CHAPTER XXVII

CHAPTER XXVII

"The door was partly open—Bob must have left it that way—and I slipped in quickly to see what you were up to. It's raining as if it never intended to stop. I called to Bob on his way downtown, and asked what you were doing today. He said that wonderful baking preparations were going on because you expected his sister Polly and her three children tomorrow. That sounded like a deluge—all those lively youngsters, and Polly livelier yet—so, I came over to see if I couldn't help." "Indeed you can, Ru

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CHAPTER XXVIII

CHAPTER XXVIII

"I like Aunt Betty's cereal; it looks so pretty," explained little Dorothy gravely, looking down at her plate of moulded cereal surrounded by plump red raspberries. "I hope you don't mind my serving it cold today," said Bettina. "It seemed so warm yesterday that I cooked the cereal and put it in moulds in the refrigerator." "No indeed! The change is a regular treat for the children. They like fixed-up things like this, and it certainly does give anyone an appetite." "Well, in hot weather, no one

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CHAPTER XXIX

CHAPTER XXIX

"Bettina, O, Bettina! We've come to get you to play tennis with us this morning. You must! You've been neglecting us for Bob and we're jealous." "Oh, girls, I simply can't! I have just bought quarts and quarts of cherries and currants of a boy who came to the door, and I must take today to put them up!" "That's easy! Leave 'em till tomorrow!" said Alice cheerfully. "I can't do that, because they're just at the canning point and it isn't a good thing to have them a bit over-ripe. Then these are f

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CHAPTER XXX

CHAPTER XXX

"First let me deliver these nasturtiums that mother sent," said Ruth. "She always remembers how fond you are of flowers." "Thank you, they're lovely! I need them tonight for my table, too. Will you come into the kitchen with me while I put these in water?" "M-m," said Ruth. "Something smells good! In the oven?" "Yes, pork chops, baked apples and escalloped potatoes. Peek in and see 'em." "Outch!" cried Ruth, holding her hand in sudden pain. "I forgot that that pan was hot, and started to pull it

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CHAPTER XXXI

CHAPTER XXXI

"Pretty bad; isn't it!" said he, ruefully. "Frank Dixon brought me home in his car, and he had some sort of engine trouble. We worked on it for awhile, but couldn't fix it, so he phoned the garage and I came home on the street car. I must have rubbed up against some grease. Do you suppose my clothes are spoiled?" "No-o," said Bettina, slowly, "not if I get at them. Let me see; what is it that takes out auto grease? Oh, I know! Bob, you go and change your clothes right away while I'm cooking the

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CHAPTER XXXII

CHAPTER XXXII

"She told me that they were hoping for fair weather, but weren't counting on it." "And this is a regular golden day; isn't it! What a time to remember! Bob, look at Cousin Kate's flowers! A natural altar, without decoration! Poppies, sweet-peas, nasturtiums, cosmos, more kinds than I can count! It's a little earlier than they usually have weddings, too; isn't nine-thirty early?" "Yes, but Frances thought that this would be the prettiest time for it, and you know they aren't at all conventional."

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CHAPTER XXXIII

CHAPTER XXXIII

"I usually anticipate feeling this way," said Bettina, "and plan to have something at home that is already prepared, and that I can get together without much trouble. Then I put on a house dress as quickly as I can, for I can't bear to cook in party clothes. But I'm sure I don't know what I am going to have for dinner tonight. Bob and I had planned to go downtown to dinner with some friends, but just before I went out this afternoon he phoned that the invitation had been withdrawn because of som

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CHAPTER XXXIV

CHAPTER XXXIV

"Such a simple breakfast after all, Bob! Do you think she'll like it?" "Sure she will! If she doesn't I'll disown her! Say, Bettina, I haven't had my breakfast yet, and ten o'clock sounds far away. May I have just one doughnut with my coffee?" "Why, Bobby, Bobby! Did I forget you? Your Aunt Elizabeth and the whole suffrage cause is on my mind this morning, but I didn't think even that could make me forget you. Help yourself to anything you see that looks good!" The Aunt Elizabeth on Bettina's mi

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CHAPTER XXXV

CHAPTER XXXV

"I'll tell just Betty; no one else must know—yet. But what if I haven't the courage to tell even her?" "Perhaps she'll suspect anyhow!" "Goodness, Harry! You make me afraid to go in! Is my expression different?" The answer was not audible to Bettina, though she was sure that she heard whispers and a little suppressed laughter. Certainly it had sounded like Alice's voice! What? Could Mr. Harrison be with her? For a moment Bettina stood stock still, feeling like an eavesdropper. Then she let out a

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CHAPTER XXXVI

CHAPTER XXXVI

"But then," said Bettina's mother, "did you find anything in California that you thought equalled anything in your own state? Father never does," said she, laughing. "He seems to enjoy traveling because it makes him feel that his own home is superior to every other place on earth. And it is," she agreed, looking about her happily. "I can say that after a summer spent in California, I'm more than thankful to be back again." "I was afraid that you and father would be so anxious to open up the hous

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CHAPTER XXXVII

CHAPTER XXXVII

"Well, if you'll take me out into the kitchen where you are working. You see, I have all this to learn, and I'm depending on you to help me." "Of course I'll help, Alice, but you are so clever about anything that you care to do that I know you'll soon outstrip your teacher. Tell me first, does anyone know the Big Secret yet?" "Not a soul but Bettina, Bob, and my family. That is what I came to talk about." "Oh, Alice, I'd love to be the one to give the announcement luncheon, or the breakfast, or

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CHAPTER XXXVIII

CHAPTER XXXVIII

"Ruth, stay just where you are! This meal is supper, not dinner, and it will be ready in the shortest possible time. Where are the men?" "Going over the plans of our house, I suppose. Fred has worn them almost in pieces by exhibiting them so often. There seem to be a great many details to settle at the last minute. As for me, I'm perfectly satisfied, for I'm going to have a kitchen exactly like yours. Bettina, what lovely nasturtiums, and how delicious that cold sliced ham looks with more nastur

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CHAPTER XXXIX

CHAPTER XXXIX

"Let me answer that," said Bob. "I want to show off! Bettina cooked that as she always cooks onions and turnips, in a a large amount of water in an uncovered utensil. Isn't that correct, Bettina? Send me to the head of the class!" "Yes, you're right. I did boil the cabbage this morning, and of course I have a well-ventilated kitchen, but I don't believe the odor would be noticeable if I had cooked it just before dinner." "I never used to eat cabbage," said Bob, "but I like Bettina's way of prepa

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CHAPTER XL

CHAPTER XL

"The butter from the table?" asked Bettina. "No, Bob, I keep that left-over butter in a covered dish in the cupboard. You see, there are so many times when I need butter for cake making or cooking, and prefer not to have it very hard. Then I use that cupboard butter. There's the doorbell, Bob. Now who do you suppose that can be?" "A telegram from Uncle Eric," said Bob, when he returned from the door. "Well, isn't that the limit! He's coming tonight!" "Tonight!" echoed Bettina. "Yes, on business.

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CHAPTER XLI

CHAPTER XLI

"I was about to call you, Bettina. Won't you go to the fair with us this afternoon? You know Cousin Mabel and the children are here from Ford Center, and Cousin Wilfred may arrive some time this morning." "You do have your hands full this week, don't you, Mother? Uncle Eric is at home only for breakfast, and I called up to ask if you would all come here to dinner tonight." "Oh, Bettina! I'm afraid it will be too much work for you, dear!" "I'll plan a simple meal, Mother; one that I can get toget

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CHAPTER XLII

CHAPTER XLII

"Gracious, Uncle John!" she exclaimed. "How you frightened me! But I'm so glad to see you! Where is Aunt Lucy?" "Here, somewhere. You know she took a few prizes herself and is probably hanging around to hear any stray compliments for her butter or preserves." "Aren't you ashamed, John!" said Aunt Lucy, herself appearing like magic. "I was just looking for the queen bee among the others in this glass case." "And here she is!" said Uncle John, laying his hand on Bettina's shoulder, and laughing de

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CHAPTER XLIII

CHAPTER XLIII

"And what's more, I've gained in spirits! Say, there's nothing like living in a real home! Why, people, just think of having Charlotte say to me as she did yesterday, 'Frank, Bob and Bettina are coming to dinner to-morrow, and I want you to plan the menu!' And here it is! Excuse me for seeming too proud of my own good judgment and my wife's skill in cookery, but——" "Hush, Frank! Maybe Bob and Bettina won't like your choice of dishes or your wife's cooking!" "What!" said Bob. "I have yet to meet

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CHAPTER XLIV

CHAPTER XLIV

"Fine!" said Bettina. "What kind shall it be?" "Penoche, if you have all the ingredients." "I think I have. Let's see. It's better when it's made partly with 'C' sugar, and I have that. I wonder if there will be enough milk left for breakfast if we use a little! Well, penoche really tastes exactly as good when it is made with water instead, though, of course, it isn't so rich. But then, I think, we do have enough milk." "First of all, though," said Bob, "we'll wash these dishes. It was a mighty

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CHAPTER XLV

CHAPTER XLV

"But goodness, Bettina! I might spoil it!" "No, you wouldn't, and I would show you just what to do. I suspect that you handled the dough too much before and that was what made the pie seem tough." "I suppose I did; I was so anxious to have it well mixed." "Did you use your fingers in mixing in the shortening? I know that many good cooks do it, but it is really better to use a knife, with the blade flat. And then roll the pastry out just as lightly as possible." "Do you make pastry with lard or b

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CHAPTER XLVI

CHAPTER XLVI

"Oh, Bob, I've had the nicest day! Mother 'phoned me this morning that Uncle John had brought her several big baskets of apples from the farm, and that if I cared to come over to help, we would put them up together, and I might have half. Well, we made apple jelly, plum and apple jelly, and raspberry and apple jelly. I had made all these before, and knew how good they were, but I learned something new from Mother that has made me feel happy ever since." "And so you came home, and in your enthusi

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CHAPTER XLVII

CHAPTER XLVII

"I was just thinking," said Bob, "that it might be fun to get Harry and Alice, and go out to Killkare park this evening. I don't believe you've been on a roller coaster this year." "It would be fun to go," said Bettina, "although I haven't missed the roller coaster." "Well, let's ask them to go. We can stay there awhile and then——" "Then what?" "Oh, nothing. Then go home." "Bob, you meant—come here afterward and have a nice little lunch; didn't you?" "I confess that I thought of that, and then I

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CHAPTER XLVIII

CHAPTER XLVIII

"Here I am, Bob, in the kitchen! I'm so ashamed of myself!" "What for?" "My carelessness. I just spilled a whole bottle of ink on this new apron of mine! I had begun to get dinner, and as it was a little early, I sat down for a minute to finish a letter to Polly. Then all at once I thought something was burning, and jumped up in such a hurry that I spilled the ink. I ought to have known better than to try to do two things at once! Luckily, the dinner was all right, but look at this apron! And it

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CHAPTER XLIX

CHAPTER XLIX

"I've been away all afternoon, Bob, at the loveliest little porch party at Alice's! You know her porch is beautiful, anyhow, and her party was very informal. She telephoned to five of us this morning, and asked us to come over and bring our sewing; the day was so perfect. She served a delicious little luncheon from her tea cart, very simple but so good! And the beauty of it was that she had made everything herself! She didn't tell the girls, but she whispered it to me. Of course, if she had told

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CHAPTER L

CHAPTER L

"He'll come," said Bettina confidently, for she felt that she had discovered the soft spot in Uncle Eric's heart. "We'll have a good dinner, too." Bob remembered what she had said about the dinner and repeated it to himself as they stepped from the street car after the matinee. "It's late, Bettina," he said anxiously, "will it take you long to get dinner?" "A very few minutes," answered Bettina. "Just long enough to warm it over." To warm it over! But then, all of Bettina's dinners were good, so

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CHAPTER LI

CHAPTER LI

"But, Bettina," her mother protested, "isn't it too much work for you? And won't you be going to church?" "I can't go to church tomorrow, anyhow, for Bob's Uncle Eric is to be in town all morning; he leaves at noon, and the Dixons have offered us their car to take him for a drive. Don't worry, Mother, I'll have a simple dinner—a 'roast beef dinner,' I believe. I often think that is the very easiest kind." Sunday morning was so beautiful that Bettina could not bear to stay indoors. Accordingly, s

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CHAPTER LII

CHAPTER LII

"Liver and bacon don't constitute a very elaborate dinner," said Bettina. "But they taste good for a change. And oh, Bob, tonight I want you to try a new recipe I heard of—peanut fudge. It sounds delicious." "I'm there," said Bob. "I was just thinking it would be a good candy evening. Then, when the candy is done, we'll assemble under the new reading lamp and eat it." "Yes, it'll be a good way to initiate the reading lamp! Wasn't it dear of Uncle Eric to give it to us? I kept wondering why he wa

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CHAPTER LIII

CHAPTER LIII

"Fun?" said Charlotte. "Bettina, look at me! Or better still, look at Frank! And the funny part of it all is that Aunt Isabel thinks our keeping house is a result of her preachments against boarding and hotel living. Why, she quite approves of me now! And I'll just keep quiet and let her feel that she was the one who did it, but all the while in my heart I'll be remembering that it was the sight of your happiness that roused my ambition to make a home myself." "I tell you," said Mr. Dixon, "we c

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CHAPTER LIV

CHAPTER LIV

With each course an enormous motto, supposedly of the "Don'ts for School Girls' Series," was brought in ceremoniously on a tray and suspended from the chandelier over the table, until finally five huge, if foolish, "Don'ts" were dangling there for Bernadette's inspection. With the last course, Ruth, in the postman's hat, coat and bag, brought in an endless supply of letters for Bernadette, to be opened at such times as "When You Meet Your Impossible Room-mate," "When You Feel the First Pangs of

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CHAPTER LV

CHAPTER LV

"That's dear of you, Bettina. Oh, how queer it will seem to have everyone know about it! You must let me help with the luncheon, of course." "No, indeed, Alice! Ruth and I are going to do it all alone, and the guest of honor is not to lift a finger! You can advise us, of course, but you mustn't arrive that day till everything is ready. I want to tell you about a few plans I've made. I wish I could consult Harry, too." "But he won't be at the announcement party!" "No, but he's the leading man in

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CHAPTER LVI

CHAPTER LVI

"Not a thing, Ruth dear. You've worked too hard all this afternoon, I'm afraid. Now we're going to sit down to a good hot dinner, and tell Bob all about our preparations." "M—m! Something smells good!" said Ruth. "I've been so busy with all these cunning things that I haven't even thought of eating. But now that you mention it, I'll admit that I have a fine healthy appetite." "Well, dinner is almost ready, and Bob will be here any minute. It's all in the oven except the corn: meat loaf, sweet po

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CHAPTER LVII

CHAPTER LVII

"Let's not examine it too closely," said Bettina. "You know a rainbow after all is nothing but drops of water with the sun shining through, and maybe my rainbow table has a prosy explanation, too." From the low mass of variegated garden flowers in the center—pink, yellow, lavender, orange, blue, and as many others as the girls could find—ran strips of soft tulle in rainbow colors. The strips were attached at the outer end to the dainty butterflies which perched lightly on the tulle covered candy

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CHAPTER LVIII

CHAPTER LVIII

"No, Ruth helped me a great deal, and by the time Bob came home to dinner, the luncheon dishes were washed and put away and the house was in apple-pie order." "Everything tasted delicious, Bettina. Maybe it sounds altogether too practical for my own announcement party, but I'm armed with a pencil and a notebook, and I do want to get some of those recipes of yours!" "You're welcome to them all, Alice, of course. They are all recipes that I have used over and over again, and I'm sure of them." "Wh

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CHAPTER LIX

CHAPTER LIX

"Sure, sure, sure!" said Ruth, emphatically. "I may be silly, Bettina, but to me such a fuss beforehand takes something away from the beauty of the wedding! And then there are other reasons. We've had to postpone building till next summer, and may not be married till the house is done—you know that. So we'll have been engaged a long time. It seems to me that after a long engagement like ours, it is better to have a simple wedding and no parties. Alice's is happening just as I always expected tha

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CHAPTER LX

CHAPTER LX

"Come in! Come in!" cried ten girls at once, while Bettina whispered to Ruth: "Thank goodness, she's come! The muffins are all but done!" "What in the world!" said Alice. "A party for you!" "And I'm wearing my old suit!" "We caught you this time, but never mind. Come in, and take off your things." As soon as Alice reappeared in the living room, a small table was drawn up before the open fire. Two girls appeared, wearing gingham aprons and carrying overflowing market baskets. "This is a kitchen s

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CHAPTER LXI

CHAPTER LXI

"They called off our trip on account of the weather. And I supposed you'd be at your mother's!" "It was raining so that I decided to build a cozy little fire in the fireplace and stay at home." "Well, I'm glad you're here! I was expecting to come home to a cold, dark house, and this is much more cheerful." "And I expected not to see you till midnight, so I'm well suited too! But, Bobby, you mustn't complain if I give you a 'pick-up meal.' I expected to eat only a lunch myself." "I don't care wha

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CHAPTER LXII

CHAPTER LXII

"Shame on you, Alice! Don't pretend to be so humble. You do everything so easily that I'll not be surprised to see you papering your own house and acting as your own plumber and doing every other hard thing. A useless butterfly like you who turns out to be so competent after all is the despair of all us plodders who have always plodded and always will!" And Ruth sighed. "Never mind, Ruthie," said Bettina. "I've eaten a mighty fine luncheon that you cooked yourself—four or five courses, if I have

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CHAPTER LXIII

CHAPTER LXIII

"Fine," said Bob. "Come out to the dining-room and talk till we're through." "And then I'll help Bettina clear off the table," said Charlotte. "Well, people, it looks like a good dinner, and Sherlock Holmes deduces, moreover, that you had roast lamb yesterday for your Sunday dinner." "You might also deduce that we had baked potatoes, from which these creamed ones are made," laughed Bettina. "Nothing else to guess at, except that part of a cabbage made cold slaw yesterday and escalloped cabbage t

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CHAPTER LXIV

CHAPTER LXIV

"My dear, I'd love to, but——" "I'm going to have baking powder biscuits, and I remember that you were longing to learn how to make them." "Oh, Bettina! Would you really show me? I'll simply have to come, then. I hesitated because Aunt Martha is here, but I know she'll excuse me for one evening. What time is it? Five? I'll take these packages home and be back in fifteen minutes!" When Ruth returned she found Bettina in her kitchen with all of the ingredients for the biscuits set out on the table.

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CHAPTER LXV

CHAPTER LXV

"Don't wait, then. (Say, these are my favorite potatoes, all right!) Well, what about the wedding? All the gowns are being made, I suppose?" "Yes, indeed. You know the four bridesmaids are to wear lavender maline over lavender taffeta, very fluffy and short,—can you picture them in your mind, Bob?" "Not exactly, but then, go on." "Well, they're nearly finished. I saw them today, and they're lovely. The girls are to carry lavender maline muffs, too—the round kind with fluffy bows at each end, and

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CHAPTER LXVI

CHAPTER LXVI

"Why, Jack, when did you come to town?" "This afternoon. Went to Bob's office the very first thing, and he insisted on bringing me home with him to dinner. I told him it might 'put you out,' but he spent the time it took to come home assuring me that you were always waiting for company—kept a light ever burning in the window for them and all that. He said that I'd see,—that you'd be on the doorstep waiting for us!" "And after all that—you weren't here!" said Bob reproachfully. "I'm just as sorry

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CHAPTER LXVII

CHAPTER LXVII

"But Bettina helped with the soufflé and the gold hearts," she said gallantly. "Did you see her disappear a short time ago? She was baking the cakes. When she suggested refreshments that should be made just before they were served, I was frightened. But when she offered to bake the things, you may be sure I was delighted." At this moment a small figure appeared in the doorway. "Weady, Cousin Wuth?" "Yes, dear." In popped little Marjorie, Ruth's cousin, carrying a huge bouquet of handkerchiefs fo

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CHAPTER LXVIII

CHAPTER LXVIII

"Bob!" said Bettina reproachfully. "If I thought you really believed that I was ever bored by a dinner for the two of us,—well, I'd never be in a wedding party again! Alice likes excitement, and I suppose that next week will be very gay, but after the wedding I hope that you and I can have a quiet winter, with just invitations enough to keep us from becoming too stupid." "But tell me what the wedding will be like. Is it all planned down to the last detail? I suppose it is, although Harry doesn't

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CHAPTER LXIX

CHAPTER LXIX

"You have? Another for Alice?" "No, this was in the country—on the interurban, at Cousin Kate's. Frances, her daughter, who was married last spring, has come home on a visit, and Cousin Kate was entertaining for her." "Tell me about it!" "Oh, it was just an informal luncheon, but I couldn't help thinking how delicious everything was, and at the same time inexpensive. In fact, I wrote down several of Cousin Kate's recipes after the guests had gone, and I'm sure that there aren't many such inexpen

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CHAPTER LXX

CHAPTER LXX

"Oh, for me?" cried Alice. "How important I feel!" As soon as the girls were seated, Ruth rose and placed before the guest of honor a large wicker basket heaped high with packages of all shapes and sizes, each wrapped in white tissue paper and tied with white ribbon. A card hung from the handle of the basket. "I'll read it aloud!" laughed Alice. "Goodness!" cried Alice. "The thought of my future cares frightens me! But now I must open all the packages!" She discovered a salt and pepper shaker, a

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CHAPTER LXXI

CHAPTER LXXI

"I'm so glad they're coming," said Bettina. "I haven't seen Charlotte for several weeks; I have been so busy with the affairs we girls have been giving for Alice. But I wish I had known this afternoon that they were coming. I'd like to celebrate with a little supper, but I haven't a single thing in the house that is suitable." "There's the cider that Uncle John brought us," suggested Bob. "Yes," said Bettina, "we might have cider. But what else?" "I'll tell you," said Bob, "I'll make some popcor

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CHAPTER LXXII

CHAPTER LXXII

No answer. "Hello, Bettina!" he called again. Again the dark house gave forth no reply. Feeling, it must be admitted, a little out of harmony with a world that allowed weary and hungry husbands to come home to dark and empty houses when the clock said plainly that it was a quarter after six, Bob made his way to the kitchen. Perhaps Bettina had left his dinner there for him; perhaps she had been called away, or perhaps, even, she had rushed out on some errand after dinner preparations were begun.

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CHAPTER LXXIII

CHAPTER LXXIII

"Not even Harry, Alice?" "No, not even Harry! I'm so sick and tired of teas and dressmakers and wedding gowns and bridesmaids that I'm tired even of Harry, too! Almost." "But, Alice, then why do it all? Why have all this fuss and feathers?" And Bettina's knife, with which she was cutting bread, came down with a click of vehemence. "It has always seemed silly to me—all the worry and bother——" "But what can I do now, Bettina? I've started, and I'll have to go through with it! Why, even now, I ough

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CHAPTER LXXIV

CHAPTER LXXIV

"It's the Bechamel sauce on it that you like, I suspect," said Bettina. "And it isn't at all hard to make. I serve it with so many things. We like it with carrots——" "Oh, is it the very same sauce that you serve with carrots?" said Charlotte. "I can make it, Frank. I'll have it for dinner one of these days, with halibut, just as Bettina has served it tonight." "There is only one thing to think about especially in making it," said Bettina. "After you have beaten the egg slightly, add a very littl

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CHAPTER LXXV

CHAPTER LXXV

Bob had already thrown open the door, and there, as Bettina had guessed, were Alice and Harry, each carrying a large box. "We've come to deliver your invitation to the wedding," said Alice. "It may be unconventional, but it's fun. The rest we are going down to mail—that is, if we don't get frightened at the idea, and pitch the boxes in the river instead." "If that's the way you feel," said Harry firmly, "I'll carry your box myself." "Please don't, Harry! Just think, I may never have another oppo

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CHAPTER LXXVI

CHAPTER LXXVI

"I feel the same old Hallowe'en thrill that I used to, years ago," said Bettina, "when I turn around suddenly and see a jack-o'-lantern grinning in at the window! Don't you love them?" "Those are the Stewart children," said Bob. "They're just hoping that I'll come out and chase them away! There's no fun for them in having us like it too well! You girls ought to give at least an imitation of a shriek apiece. You don't have ladylike nerves at all!" "Bob, that jack-o'-lantern reminds me that we hav

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CHAPTER LXXVII

CHAPTER LXXVII

The two witches, who were evidently the hostesses, commenced a weird chant in a minor key. The male ghosts, three in number, immediately took up the music, if it could be so called, howling in loud and uncanny tones. Thereupon the witches beckoned the whole company with all speed to the dining-room. The table was a mass of color and light. Potatoes, carrots and beets, with sticks for legs, held the lighted candles. At each place were individual favors, witches holding the place cards, and small

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CHAPTER LXXVIII

CHAPTER LXXVIII

"Yes, indeed," said Bettina, "and I've spent most of the afternoon cleaning my furs with corn meal, and fixing those new comforters for the sleeping porch, and putting away some of the summer clothing." "I believe we will need those new comforters tonight. How were you fixing them?" "I was basting a white cheese-cloth edge, about twelve inches wide, along the width that goes at the head of the bed, you know. It's so easy to rip off and wash, and I like to have all the comforters fixed that way.

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CHAPTER LXXIX

CHAPTER LXXIX

"Welcome!" smiled Alice, delightedly, as she stepped down from the box on which she was standing to hang a soft, silky curtain. Harry, tall and silent, rose, hammer in hand from the crate he was opening, and welcomed each one in turn. "Bob and I came to be chaperones if you needed us," said Bettina, putting on a prim and disapproving look, as different as possible from her usual happy expression. "Oh, my dear!" exclaimed Alice's mother, in a shocked tone. "Surely you didn't imagine—but then, of

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CHAPTER LXXX

CHAPTER LXXX

"Shucks!" thought boyish Fred. "None of this in mine! I'd elope first! Wonder if Harry likes it! (Bet he doesn't.)" Ruth was thinking, "Oh, how lovely! How perfectly lovely! I believe after all—as a time to remember through all the years——" But Fred could not read her thoughts, and saw only the particularly happy smile that she gave him. "How do you like the nut cups?" Alice asked. "Bettina made these yellow 'mum' nut cups as a Christmas gift to me, and gave them to me now for this dinner! See,

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CHAPTER LXXXI

CHAPTER LXXXI

"S'pose Geraldine'll be in to borrow my mirror in a minute," grumbled Bob. "How long'll they stay?" "'Till tomorrow morning, dear. Hurry! You know we have to rehearse at ten o'clock." "Ushers and all?" "Of course. You wouldn't know what to do without a rehearsal, would you?" "I suppose not. But what if I can't get away from the office?" "You'll have to, Bob, for Harry's sake. Surely you can manage it for once." Bob went on grumbling about the foolishness of "these fancy weddings" until Bettina c

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CHAPTER LXXXII

CHAPTER LXXXII

"Wasn't it lovely, Bob? Wasn't it stately and impressive?" "Say, aren't you cold?" was his prosy reply. "That church was too warm; take my coat!" "No, indeed; I don't need it! Oh, wasn't it a beautiful wedding! Did Lillian and I walk slowly enough?" And she chattered on about all of the details until the house was reached. The bride and groom were already there, and gay congratulations followed from the many guests. The dining-room, where the dainty wedding supper was served, was elaborate with

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CHAPTER LXXXIII

CHAPTER LXXXIII

"Why, hello, Bob!" she answered, surprised to hear his voice at this time of day. "Bettina," said he, "could you possibly arrange to let me bring Carl Edwards and his wife home to luncheon? They blew in a few minutes ago and leave at two-thirty. We haven't much time, you see, and they are especially anxious to see the house. They are planning to build for themselves soon." "Why, of course, Bob," said Bettina, hesitating for the briefest possible second. "It's after eleven now, but I'll be glad t

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CHAPTER LXXXIV

CHAPTER LXXXIV

"Why, Uncle John, I should say you are!" answered Bettina with delight as she removed her kitchen apron. "Do you smell my date buns? I believe you'll like them!" "Date buns? Never heard of anything so absurd in my whole life! What are they?" And then, without waiting for an answer, he went on, "A regular blizzard tonight, I do believe! I telephoned your Aunt Lucy that I wouldn't be back to the farm till morning, then I found a place to leave my car, and came up here to see if I couldn't get a bi

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CHAPTER LXXXV

CHAPTER LXXXV

Edna laughed her ripply laugh that always made everyone else laugh, too. "Tired getting me a hat and a suit? Oh, Bettina! That makes me feel livelier than ever!" Catherine looked troubled. "Now, Edna," she said, "you positively mustn't miss that afternoon meeting. I know it will be so inspiring! Remember what Professor Macy said!" Edna laughed again. "Catherine always quotes Professor Macy as if he were an oracle or a sphinx or something instead of a nice solemn young high school teacher who's g

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CHAPTER LXXXVI

CHAPTER LXXXVI

"No, indeed, my dear. It is such a simple little luncheon that I have planned that I can easily do it all alone. And you must go to the meeting. All I ask is that you won't forget to come home at noon." "Edna would much rather fuss around with you in this dear little kitchen than to go to the meetings," said Catherine, "but I won't let her. She is always crazy to cook and do housework and things like that, but she came to this convention with me, and I intend to have her get the benefit of it. D

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CHAPTER LXXXVII

CHAPTER LXXXVII

"Why, Ruth, that's because you apply the match too soon. You ought to allow the gas to flow for about four seconds; that fills all the little holes with gas and blows out the air. Then light it, and it won't pop or go out. The flame ought to burn blue; if it burns yellow, turn it off, and adjust it again." "Well, I'm glad to know that. Sometimes it has been all right and sometimes it hasn't, and I never realized that it was because I applied the match too soon. I'm glad I came today." "I'm glad,

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CHAPTER LXXXVIII

CHAPTER LXXXVIII

"Doesn't it!" said Bettina, enthusiastically. "And see, I've set the dinner table here by the fireplace. It's such fun when just the two of us are here. Isn't the log burning well?" "I wondered if we could use one of our new logs tonight—thought about it all the way home. And here you had already tried it! November has turned so much colder that I believe winter is coming." "So do I, but I don't mind, I don't want a warm Thanksgiving." "Dinner ready? M—m, what's that? Lamb chops? Escalloped pota

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CHAPTER LXXXIX

CHAPTER LXXXIX

"I try to get all my Christmas packages ready by Thanksgiving," said Bettina. "Of course, I don't always succeed, but it is a splendid aim to have! There is always so much to do at the last minute—baking and company and candy making! This year we plan to give very few gifts—but to send a card at least to each of our friends. We're racking our brains now to think of something that will be individual—really ours, you know. I think a tiny snapshot of yourself or your home, or your baby or your dog—

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CHAPTER XC

CHAPTER XC

"Hello! Hello!" shouted Frank and Bob, letting in a gust of cold air as they opened the door. "Whew! It's cold!" "How was the game?" "Fine! 39 to 0 in favor of Blake!" "Not very exciting, I should think." "Still, Frank here wanted to bet me that Blake would be badly beaten!" "Frank!" said Charlotte in exasperation. "Is that the way you show your loyalty to your home college?" "Shame on you, Frank!" grinned Bob. "Well, dinner ready? I'm about starving!" "Bettina has a regular 'after-the-game' din

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CHAPTER XCI

CHAPTER XCI

"Who's to be there?" "Father and mother—we are to drive out with them—and Aunt Lucy's sister and her big family. Thanksgiving seems more natural with children at the table, I think. And those are the liveliest, rosiest children!" Bob had slept late that morning, and consequently had eaten no breakfast, but he did not regret his keen appetite when Uncle John was carving the great brown turkey. "The children first, John," said kind Aunt Lucy. "The grown folks can wait." Little Dick and Sarah had e

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CHAPTER XCII

CHAPTER XCII

"Candied sweet potatoes, dear, and I'm almost sure that you'll like them. I made them in the fireless cooker, and they're really more candy than potatoes." "They'll suit me, then," said Bob. "The sweeter the better! My mother used to cook up candied sweet potatoes with a lot of brown sugar syrup—say, but they tasted good about this time of year when I would come in from skating! Well, I believe these are exactly like hers!" "Only hers weren't made in a fireless cooker," said Bettina. "Now, Bob,

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CHAPTER XCIII

CHAPTER XCIII

"Hello!" said Bob, throwing open the door. "Why, Bettina! It's Alice and Harry! When did you get home?" "We're on our way home now," said Harry, as he set down the suitcases he was holding. "Say, these are heavy! We thought we'd stop in for a minute to rest." "Welcome home!" said Bettina. "Just think, we don't even know yet where you went for your wedding trip, though we suspected California." "California it was," said Alice, "along with all the other recent brides and grooms. We escaped any par

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CHAPTER XCIV

CHAPTER XCIV

"Sure it will! But I'm glad to-night we can be alone by our own firelight, Bettina!" That evening for dinner Bettina served: Look over the selected large oysters to remove the shells. Mix the egg, water, salt and paprika. Dip the oyster in the egg mixture and in the crumbs. Place the fat in the frying-pan, and when hot add the oysters. Brown nicely on each side, three minutes. Serve very hot on a hot platter. Garnish with parsley. Mix the celery salt, mustard, salt and sugar, add the vinegar. Po

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CHAPTER XCV

CHAPTER XCV

"I'm going down town to dinner with Harry; I'll meet him there. And afterward we are going to the theatre." "What fun!" "Yes, fun for me," said Alice slowly. "I persuaded him to go. Just think, Bettina, we haven't been to the theatre one single time since we've been married!" "And that is—let's see—about six weeks?" said Bettina, laughing. "Come into the kitchen, Alice. I'm making a cranberry pie for dinner." "A cranberry pie? One of those darling criss-crossy ones?" said Alice joyfully, throwin

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CHAPTER XCVI

CHAPTER XCVI

"Curiosity is no name for it," said Bob, "but I'm even more curious to know what particular thing it is that makes this ham so tender. Is it baked? Anyhow, it's the best I have ever eaten." "Thank you," said Bettina, "but you always say that about sliced ham, no matter how it is cooked. But this is a little different. It is baked in milk." "Great, anyhow," said Bob. "Now tell me about your conspiracy with Santa Claus." "Well, I am making for Alice an indexed set of recipes—a card index. All the

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CHAPTER XCVII

CHAPTER XCVII

"Did the Christmas spirit inspire this plum pudding?" said he. "Blessings on the head of Santa Claus! But why your outburst?" "Because today I went shopping in earnest! I bought the very things that seem most Christmassy: tissue paper, white and green, gold cord, a ball of red twine, Santa Claus and holly stickers, and the cards to tie to the packages. I love to wrap up Christmas things!" "And are most of your gifts ready to be wrapped?" "No, not all, for some of them can't be made till the last

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CHAPTER XCVIII

CHAPTER XCVIII

"I'm sure I'd like it!" said Frank Dixon. "Much better than a pink necktie or a white gift book called 'Thoughts at Christmas-Tide!'" "Mary Owen makes candied orange peel for all of her friends," said Bettina, "and I think that is so nice, for hers is delicious! She saves candy boxes through the year, and all of her close friends receive the same gift with Mary's card. We all know what to expect from her, and we are all delighted, too. And you see she doesn't have to worry over different gifts f

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CHAPTER XCIX

CHAPTER XCIX

"We had a large Christmas table (aren't they simple and effective?), with a Christmas tree in the center, strung with tiny electric lights, and hung with tinsel and ornaments. Strings of red Christmas bells stretched from the chandelier above the table to the four corners. The favors at each place were several kinds,—Santas, little Christmas trees, snow men and sleds, all of them concealing at their bases the boxes holding the salted nuts. The place-cards were simply Christmas cards. "Before the

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CHAPTER C

CHAPTER C

The "someone" proved to be Bob, who came in, very pink as to his face, and very white as to his snow-covered shoulders. "It's growing colder every minute!" said Bob. "Well, a Christmas table! I like that! Makes a fellow feel festive!" "I couldn't resist the spirit of Christmas," said Bettina. "I couldn't, either," said Bob, taking a half-dozen gorgeous yellow chrysanthemums from their wrappings. "So I bought you an early Christmas gift. Like 'em?" For dinner, Bettina served: Remove the white mem

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CHAPTER CI

CHAPTER CI

"Hello, Bob!" said a voice almost at his feet. "Say Mister Bob, Billy," another voice corrected severely. "Hello, Jacky! Good evening, Marjorie! Coasting good?" "Oh, pretty good. You don't know what we've got at our house!" "Four Angora kittens!" interrupted Marjorie eagerly, before Bob had a chance to guess. "Four whole kittens. Can't see a thing, though, but they'll learn after a while! We're going to sell three of 'em, and keep one, and——" "See here, Marjorie!" exclaimed Bob. "I'd like to buy

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CHAPTER CII

CHAPTER CII

"Now, don't you give us too much to eat, Bettina," laughed Father. "I know your mother has been making some mighty elaborate preparations for dinner at home, and you must leave us with an appetite." "Well, you won't have any appetite left if you eat all you want of these waffles of mine!" exclaimed Bob, coming in from the kitchen with a spoon in his hand and an apron tied around his neck. "Go back to the kitchen, Cook!" said Uncle John. "We don't want to see you, but we're willing to taste your

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CHAPTER CIII

CHAPTER CIII

"Everything is put away now," said Bettina. "All the presents are in their permanent places. Except Fluff," she added, glancing at the Persian kitten cuddled in an arm chair. "I couldn't put Fluff away, and don't care to. Isn't he a darling? Just the very touch that the living room needed to make it absolutely homelike!" "Well," said Bob, "we did need a cat, but I think we need a dog, too. About next spring I'll get one, if I can find one to suit me." "Oh, Bob, won't a dog be a nuisance? And des

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CHAPTER CIV

CHAPTER CIV

"And we have had such delicious meals since we began to keep house, if I do say it! But oh, the bills, the bills! Bettina, isn't it terrible? But you can't get any meal at all without paying for it, can you? I really do dread having Harry get the first month's grocery bill, though." "You ought not to have to say that, Alice," said Bettina, laughing nevertheless. "Why don't you have an allowance, and pay the grocery bill yourself?" "Because I know I could never manage to pay it," said Alice, maki

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CHAPTER CV

CHAPTER CV

"I'm only too glad to find an excuse, Bettina, but you must remember that I'll have to get back some time, and I suppose that now is best." "Well, Bob will take you after dinner. See, I've put on a place for you." "That's fine, Bettina, and I suppose I may as well stay. I've been anxious to ask you what you were putting in the oven just as I came in." "A dish of tomatoes, cheese and rice baked together; Bob is fond of it. You know I almost always plan to have two or more oven dishes if I am usin

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CHAPTER CVI

CHAPTER CVI

"It is very easy to make candy for Christmas boxes," said Bettina. "That is, it is no harder to make a large quantity than to fill one box. Bob helped me one evening, and we made four kinds at once. I had already stuffed some dates and made some candied orange peel, so you see when the candy was made, it was fun to fill the boxes with a variety of things. I always save boxes throughout the year for Christmas candy, and then I fill them all at once. Of course, until this year I didn't have Bob to

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CHAPTER CVII

CHAPTER CVII

"What perfectly splendid news!" said Bettina. "I'm just as glad as I can be!" "We've waited so long," said Ruth, wistfully. "Of course, if it hadn't been for the war—it did interfere so with business, you know—we would have been married last spring." "I know," said Bettina, sympathetically, "but you'll be all the happier because you have waited." "I'll want you to help me a great deal with my plans," said Ruth. "I've had time to do lots of sewing, of course, but I haven't thought anything about

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CHAPTER CVIII

CHAPTER CVIII

"But it's your very own Christmas gift to me that makes it so," declared Bettina, with flushed cheeks. For Alice's deft fingers had fashioned the rose nut cups (now holding candied orange peel), and the rose buds in the sunset shades in the center of the table. "They are almost more real than real ones! I can scarcely believe that they are made of crêpe paper." The square luncheon cloth on the round table was of linen, decorated with a cross-stitch design in the same sunset shades, so that the t

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CHAPTER CIX

CHAPTER CIX

"Yes, Charlotte, if you will." "How nice it is, Bettina! How long do you cook it before you add the sugar?" "Well, that depends altogether on the fruit. Sometimes the rind is so much tougher than at other times. You cook it until it's very tender, then add the sugar and cook until it jells." "There's another thing I'd like to ask you, Bettina. How on earth do you cut the fruit in thin slices? Isn't it very difficult to do?" "Not with a sharp knife. I place the fruit on a hardwood board, and then

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CHAPTER CX

CHAPTER CX

"Just a steamed fig pudding, Ruth. The simplest thing in the world!" "Simple? But don't you have to use a steamer to make it in, and isn't that awfully complicated? I've always imagined so." "You don't need to use a steamer at all. I steamed this in my fireless cooker, in a large baking powder can. I filled the buttered can about two-thirds full, and set it in boiling water that came less than half way up the side of the can. Of course, the cover of the can or the mould must be screwed on tight.

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CHAPTER CXI

CHAPTER CXI

"A valentine luncheon? With red hearts everywhere, I suppose?" "Yes, everything heart-shaped, and in red, too, as far as possible. Mary had twelve guests at one large round table. Of course, there were strings and strings of red hearts of various sizes decorating the table—not a very new idea, of course, but so effective. And everything tasted so good; cream of tomato soup, the best stuffed tenderloin with mushroom sauce (I must find out how that is made), and the best sweet potato croquettes!"

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CHAPTER CXII

CHAPTER CXII

"She wouldn't let me come earlier, Bob," explained Bettina as they rang the bell. "I wanted to help her, you know, but she said her father and mother were out of town and Fred was to be the only guest besides ourselves, so she was sure that she could manage alone. There she is now!" But it was not Ruth after all. "Why, Fred; hello!" said Bob. "Did you come early to assist the cook?" "I did," said Fred, "but she informed me at once that she wanted no inexperienced 'help' around. So I've been sitt

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CHAPTER CXIII

CHAPTER CXIII

"Getting dinner? That is what I must be doing very soon. I stopped in for only a minute on my way home." "I am getting dinner, and I want to tell you that it is a very economical dinner. And it's going to be good, too. I thought and thought about your advice, and decided to practise it. So I searched through all my cook books for the recipes I wanted, and finally decided on this particular menu. But, Bettina, now I can tell you the flaw in your system of economy!" "What is that? Harry doesn't li

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CHAPTER CXIV

CHAPTER CXIV

"No, indeed," laughed Bettina. "I expected just you and nobody else. But maybe I did cook a little more than usual. You see I was over at Alice's this afternoon inspecting her list of next week's menus. You know she is trying to economize, and she is really doing it, but in spite of economy, Harry is having elaborate meals. I do hope he appreciates it. Nearly all of her dinners are three-course affairs, most carefully planned to look like 'the real thing' as she calls an expensive dinner. I tell

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CHAPTER CXV

CHAPTER CXV

"Mrs. Bob," said Donald, an old school-friend of Bob's, "I don't want you to do any such thing! We don't need any lunch! Stay in here and we'll all talk." "You'll talk all the better for something to eat," said Bettina, "and so will Bob. Won't you, Bob?" "Well," said Bob, with a grin, "I will admit that coming home in the cold has given me something of an appetite. Then too, I'll tell you, Donald, that Bettina's after-theatre suppers aren't to be lightly refused! Yes, on the whole, I think we'd

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CHAPTER CXVI

CHAPTER CXVI

"I like that recipe," said Bettina, "and it is so easy to make." "What have you been doing all day?" Bob asked, "Cooking?" "No, indeed. Charlotte was here this afternoon and we made plans for the tea we are going to give at her house on Washington's birthday. Oh, Bob, we have some of the best ideas for it! Our refreshments are to be served from the dining-room table, you know, and our central decoration is to be a three-cornered black hat filled with artificial red cherries. Of course we'll have

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CHAPTER CXVII

CHAPTER CXVII

"What delicious toast, Bettina!" said Alice, taking one bite. "Why, it has cinnamon on it! And sugar! I wondered what on earth you were making that smelled so good, and this is something new to me!" "It is cinnamon toast," said Bettina, "and so easy to make. I was busy all morning, and didn't have time to make anything but these date kisses for tea, but cinnamon toast can be made so quickly that I decided to serve it." "I like orange marmalade, too, Bettina," said Alice. "I wish I had made some.

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CHAPTER CXVIII

CHAPTER CXVIII

Bettina poured the tea and placed in each cup a red cherry. The guests helped themselves to trays, napkins, forks and spoons, and each took a portion of Washington salad, served in a small, black, three-cornered hat, lined with waxed paper. Each took also a rolled sandwich, tied with red, white and blue ribbon, and a nut bread sandwich in the shape of a hatchet. The Washington fondant, rolled in cocoanut and toasted to represent tree trunks, with small gilt hatchets stuck in them, occasioned gre

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CHAPTER CXIX

CHAPTER CXIX

"Bettina, this is Mr. MacGregor, of MacGregor &amp; Hopkins, you know. Mr. MacGregor, my wife, Bettina. I've been trying to get you all afternoon to tell you I was bringing a guest to dinner and to spend the night. The storm seems to have affected the lines." "Oh, it has! I've been alone all day! Haven't talked to a soul! Welcome, Mr. MacGregor, I planned Bob's particular kind of a dinner tonight, and it may not suit you at all, but I'm glad to see you, anyhow." Mr. MacGregor murmured someth

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CHAPTER CXX

CHAPTER CXX

"Oh, Bettina," said he in a disappointed tone, "why not eat in the breakfast alcove? I'd like to show MacGregor how much fun we have every morning." "Won't he think we're being too informal?" "I want him to think us informal. The trouble with him is that he doesn't know that any simple brand of happiness exists. His life is too complex. Of course we're not exactly primitive—with our electric percolator and toaster——" "Sorry, Bob, but you can't use the toaster this morning; I'm about to stir up s

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CHAPTER CXXI

CHAPTER CXXI

"Why, Charlotte. Come in!" she cried a moment later, for it was Mrs. Dixon with a napkin-covered pan in hand, whom she found at the door. "I've brought you some light rolls for your dinner, Bettina," said Charlotte. "I don't make them often, and when I do, I make more than we can eat. Will they fit into your dinner menu?" "Indeed they will!" said Bettina. "I'm delighted to get them. Now I wish I had something to send back with you for your dinner, but I seem to have cooked too little of everythi

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CHAPTER CXXII

CHAPTER CXXII

"No, she isn't," said Uncle John, shaking his head solemnly, "and the fact is, I shouldn't be here myself if it weren't for a sort of conspiracy; eh, Bettina?" "That's so, Bob," said Bettina, coming in from the dining-room, her hands full of dishes, "and now I suppose we'll have to let you in on the secret. Uncle John has just bought a beautiful new fireless cooker for Aunt Lucy. Haven't you, Uncle John?" "Well!" said Bob, heartily. "That's fine! How did you happen to think of it?" "Well Bob, sh

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CHAPTER CXXIII

CHAPTER CXXIII

"Do sit down," said Bettina, "and have some Boston cream pie with us!" "Frank won't need urging," said Charlotte. "Our dessert tonight was apple sauce, and Boston cream pie (whatever it is) sounds too enticing to be resisted." "It looks a little like the Washington pie my mother used to make," said Frank. "Only that wasn't so fancy on the top." "Washington pie needs whipped cream to make it perfect," said Bettina, "and as I had no whipped cream I made this with a meringue." "Dessert with the nei

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CHAPTER CXXIV

CHAPTER CXXIV

"Lamb stew," said Bettina. "Bob is particularly fond of it, and we haven't had it for a long time. This is such a cold day that I thought lamb stew would taste very good tonight." "And what are you making now?" "Soft gingerbread. It's just ready to pop into the oven, and then I can go into the living-room with you and we'll visit in state." "Don't, Bettina. I'd much rather talk in your shining little kitchen with the kettle bubbling on the hearth (only it's a gas stove and you won't let it bubbl

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CHAPTER CXXV

CHAPTER CXXV

"You're sure you don't mind?" asked Mrs. Fulton, anxiously. "If mother were only stronger, I would leave her there——" "Go right on, Mrs. Fulton, and don't worry one bit! Kathleen and I are going to have the time of our lives! Let's see—it's nearly three. Shall I feed her anything?" "Well, she had an early lunch, and has just wakened from her nap. Perhaps she is a little hungry. Are you?" "Bed'n delly," replied Kathleen with emphasis. "Oh, I know something that's better for little girls than brea

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CHAPTER CXXVI

CHAPTER CXXVI

"What is that brown paper for?" "To put under the dishes I'm warming. It breaks the heat and prevents cracking. There, that cream sauce has cooked enough now. I'll take it and beat it for a minute. See? There, now it's ready for the egg and the chicken mixture." "Shall I stir it now? Don't you put it back over the fire?" "Just for a minute. You see, if any custard or egg sauce is allowed to cook more than a minute after the egg has been added, it will curdle." "Oh, is it done now? Let me toast t

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CHAPTER CXXVII

CHAPTER CXXVII

A green basket filled with white carnations and green foliage stood in the center of the table. White glass candlesticks with green shades also carried out the color scheme, while white crocheted favor baskets, filled with dainty green candies, were at each plate. The table was set for six. The name cards were white shamrocks outlined with green ink and edged with gilt, and the name on each was written in green. Bettina used green ferns for decoration in every possible place where they might add

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CHAPTER CXXVIII

CHAPTER CXXVIII

"A waffle party in the afternoon?" said Bob. "That was queer! Usually at afternoon parties you women serve tiny little cups of tea and dainty olive sandwiches, almost too small to be visible; don't you? Waffles are more sensible, I think, but it seems a shame that we men had to miss such a party." "Well, I'm afraid I'll have to acknowledge that we had a very good time without you," laughed Bettina, wickedly. "It has been cold today, you know, and Mary's kitchen was so warm and bright and cozy! W

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CHAPTER CXXIX

CHAPTER CXXIX

"I've been waiting to see if you would remember that, Bob, and I must say that I'm a little ashamed of you! After all, it took the pink candles and the company dinner to make you think of it! Well, I suppose men are all alike!" And she sighed the sigh of deep disillusionment. Bob waited for a moment to see the dimple reappear in her cheek, and the twinkle in her eyes, and then he, too, sighed—a sigh of relief. "Bless your heart, Bettina, don't you sigh like that again! You almost had me thinking

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CHAPTER CXXX

CHAPTER CXXX

"It is an economy, not a symphony," said Bettina, "but if it leads you to make such dreadful puns as that, I'll wish I had fed you something else for dinner." "To me," said Ruth, "this dish is a delicacy and a despair. How can you think of things like this? I know I never could do it in the wide world!" "I can't compose symphonies or poems," said Bettina, "so I express myself in this way. And most of my music is played in a simple key. It is difficult to think of a variety of inexpensive meat di

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CHAPTER CXXXI

CHAPTER CXXXI

"Died, Mildred?" asked Bob. "I must say you look fairly healthy to me, too much so to pine away soon!" "I don't intend to die now, Uncle Bob! I'm going to live and have the most fun helping Aunt Bettina! I like that so much better than lessons. I brought two aprons in my suit case; Mother said I acted as if I wouldn't meet anybody in a three day visit but your kitchen stove. And to tell the truth, Aunt Bettina, I just hope I won't! I'd rather help you cook than see sights or meet people." "Oh, d

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CHAPTER CXXXII

CHAPTER CXXXII

"Indeed I did, Uncle Bob!" exclaimed the little girl delightedly. "And I'm having so much fun that I don't ever, ever, ever want to go home! Aunt Bettina is going to show me how to make cookies tomorrow!" "Is she?" said Bob. "Well, don't eat 'em all up before I get here. Save me six fat ones, with raisins in. Don't forget the raisins." "I set the table, Uncle Bob, and I made the rice croquettes into that cunning shape, and when they were fried, I put in the jelly! Don't they look nice?" "The mos

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CHAPTER CXXXIII

CHAPTER CXXXIII

"Oh, you'll like Mr. Jackson, Mildred. He's one of Uncle Bob's best friends, and so nice and jolly!" "The jolly men always like to tease, and the ones who aren't jolly are always cross. I don't intend to get married myself. I'm going to live in a nice little bungalow like this one and do my own cooking." "Will you live all alone?" asked Bettina. "I'll adopt some children—seven or eight, I think,—all girls. I don't want any boys around." "Your bungalow will have to be larger than this to accommod

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CHAPTER CXXXIV

CHAPTER CXXXIV

"You did?" said Bob, feigning astonishment. "You rolled them out with a rolling pin, I suppose, and——" "Oh, no, Uncle Bob! You ought never to use a rolling pin, Aunt Bettina says!" said Mildred in a horrified tone, as if she had been cooking for the First Families for a score of years. "Good cooks always pat down the dough—they never roll it out." "Well, what do you do first? Stir up the dough with a spoon?" "No, indeed; you use a knife. Then you pat the dough down, and cut out the dear little b

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CHAPTER CXXXV

CHAPTER CXXXV

"Oh, Mother, I've learned so much!" cried Mildred with enthusiasm. "And when I'm married, I'm going to have a dear little kitchen just like Aunt Betty's! Aunt Betty does know the very best way to do everything! Why, Mother, I think she's a better cook even than Selma, and not half so cross when I bother!" "Bother!" said Bettina. "Why, Mildred, you've been a real help to me!" "I hope so," laughed Polly, "but I'm not so sure. Children never worry me—it's fortunate, isn't it?—but I don't see how on

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CHAPTER CXXXVI

CHAPTER CXXXVI

"But you can always smile Selma out of her 'spells,' Mother," coaxed Mildred. "And just think, Selma doesn't even know what a fireless cooker is! We'll have to explain it to her." "What can you make in a fireless cooker, Mildred?" asked Polly of her little daughter, who was fairly bursting with her newly acquired information. "Oh, Mother, this roast! Isn't it good? Aunt Betty kept it in the cooker almost four hours, and think how much gas that saved!" "Well, I'll admit that such an item would ap

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CHAPTER CXXXVII

CHAPTER CXXXVII

"With a conical ice cream mould, Alice," Bettina answered. "It is very simple. And I'll tell you another thing. I made those croquettes yesterday, not today." "You don't mean that you fried them yesterday?" "Yes, I did, Alice. In deep fat." "But they were warm, not cold." "Yes, for I reheated them in the oven a few minutes before I served them. They really are as good as new when treated that way. I had always supposed that croquettes had to be served immediately after they were fried, and you k

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CHAPTER CXXXVIII

CHAPTER CXXXVIII

Bettina started in surprise. "Why, Ruth, I didn't see you coming up the walk!" "I knew you didn't. But what on earth are you doing out here on your front steps? Enjoying the weather?" "Indeed I am! Isn't it a wonderful spring day? But my thoughts weren't very poetic, I must admit. I was just wondering if it was too early to put away my furs for the summer. I'm always tempted to do that when the first signs of spring appear, and then I'm generally sorry a few days later." "I'll have to put mine a

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CHAPTER CXXXIX

CHAPTER CXXXIX

"Twelve or fifteen, I think. Now let me tell you Ralph's own idea for entertainment. I suppose I'm a doting aunt, but it sounds very possible to me." "Did Ralph suggest the kind of a party he wished? Well, isn't he a clever boy! And he's only eleven years old, too." "He suggested that the invitations invite the children to a circus. You see, we could write a little rhyme to that effect on animal paper, or with an animal picture pasted in the corner. When the children arrive, we'll have the parad

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CHAPTER CXL

CHAPTER CXL

"It's a circus!" explained Ralph to curly-headed Margery, who was adding her own piping voice to the general din. A small American flag floated from a flag pole in the center of the table, and around it were arranged paper circus tents and circus wagons of the five and ten cent store variety. Animal crackers were all about, and the animal sandwiches and animal cakes in flat baskets looked almost too real to be eaten. Smooth boards on supports represented circus seats, and on these the children s

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CHAPTER CXLI

CHAPTER CXLI

"If it weren't for Aunt Gertrude I shouldn't worry at all, but she is such a wonderful housekeeper! And I am determined that Mother sha'n't have one bit of the responsibility. She's to feel herself just as much a guest as Aunt Gertrude." "I think it's a lovely thing for you to do, Ruth. Now let me tell you how I think you should go about it. Make a visit to your grocery store or to the market tomorrow, and notice the good things that are in season and inexpensive. Build your menu around them. Wh

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CHAPTER CXLII

CHAPTER CXLII

"Oh, Bettina, has Bob really bought it? Will you really have a car of your own?" "Yes, indeed, we will. I can hardly realize it myself, and although I'm so happy over it, I have a little haunting fear that perhaps it is too great an extravagance. But we'll enjoy it so!" "Of course you will. I'm so glad! Won't the summer be delightful when you can get out into the country every day!" "Ruth, you must stay to dinner and see the car for yourself! I planned a special little celebration dinner, a kind

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CHAPTER CXLIII

CHAPTER CXLIII

"Yes, it is, Bettina. Exactly that!" said Ruth, glancing at her tiny wrist watch. "But Bob won't be home till six, will he?" "No, but I want to have dinner ready when he arrives. You see, as I told you before, I simply shouldn't have gone to Mary's this afternoon. My curtains are down and my rugs are up, and my house isn't an attractive place for a man to come home to, to say the least. And then to come straight from a party and give Bob a pick-up lunch instead of a full meal, will be——" "The la

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CHAPTER CXLIV

CHAPTER CXLIV

"I'll tell you how you can prevent that, Charlotte. Of course they must be very cold when served, but I never prepare them till just before the meal. I put them in the ice box whole, in a paper sack, taking care that the mouth of the sack is closed. They become very cold that way, and at the same time can't affect the other food." "I'm so glad you told me that, Bettina. I've learned a great many things from you, haven't I? Oh, yes, another thing puzzles me. I like chipped ice served in and with

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CHAPTER CXLV

CHAPTER CXLV

"Did you see her this afternoon?" "Yes, and we walked over to the new house. She has had Fred put up a shelf in the kitchen for her cook-books and recipe card box, and she finds that she really has quite a library! And the various engagement gifts are all put away. In fact the bungalow is nearly ready for use. I've told Ruth that she might write a magazine article on 'Engagement Presents' using her own for illustrations." "What does she have?" "Well, a dear old Aunt of Bob's presented her with s

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CHAPTER CXLVI

CHAPTER CXLVI

"Because I've just finished house-cleaning, Bob, and I want to celebrate. Doesn't everything look splendid?" "Well, it looked good to me before, but now that I think of it, I believe there is an extra shine on things. What makes that nickel there look so bright and silvery?" "I cleaned it with a damp cloth dipped in powdered borax. That always makes nickel bright and clean." "I might have done that for you, Betty. Why didn't you suggest it to me?" "Oh, this house is so small and dear that I enjo

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CHAPTER CXLVII

CHAPTER CXLVII

"Come in," said Bettina, "and set that heavy basket down. Why didn't you leave it for Frank to bring?" "Because I needed the things for dinner." "What did you get?" "Oh, the same old fresh vegetables," said Charlotte wearily. "A month ago they seemed so wonderful—strawberries, asparagus, new potatoes and all—but there are no new ways to cook them! One day I cream the asparagus and the next day I serve it on toast." "Do you ever make asparagus salad?" asked Bettina. "We are very fond of it. Cold

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CHAPTER CXLVIII

CHAPTER CXLVIII

"Rain? When? Tonight?" asked Bob, absent-mindedly, for he was busily eating the first cherry cobbler of the season, and enjoying it, too. "No, stupid! I'm thinking about the wedding—Ruth's wedding." "And Fred's wedding, too," added Bob. "You talk as if Ruth were the only one who is vitally interested." "Fred's wedding, then. For, you see, the ceremony is to be in that darling summer house if it doesn't rain. If it does it will have to be in the solarium. The bridesmaids and matrons (if it is an

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CHAPTER CXLIX

CHAPTER CXLIX

"And Alice and I would so enjoy helping you," Bettina had replied. "And remember, we mean the whole day, breakfast and all!" Luckily, the day before the wedding dawned warm and clear At eight o'clock Harry and Bob drove them all in automobiles to a lovely country spot in which the girls served an outdoor breakfast. The morning was spent in motoring and luncheon was eaten at a charming downtown tea-room. Then they were whisked off to Bettina's little home for an informal afternoon, and Harry and

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CHAPTER CL

CHAPTER CL

Tiny paper slipper nut cups at each place held the pecans, and at the places laid for the best man and the ushers, silver pencils, Fred's gifts to the groomsmen, were found. "They are cunning, of course," chattered Bernadette, Ruth's cousin and maid-of-honor, "but you men just wait till you see the green parasols that we bridesmaids are to carry! Ruth is giving them to us, you know!" The dinner menu was as follows: Arrange two pieces of lettuce on each salad plate. Carefully peel the grapefruit

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CHAPTER CLI

CHAPTER CLI

"The morning is after all the happiest time for a wedding," whispered Ellen to Bettina, as they found their places at the bride's table. "Everything seems so fresh and new and green and hopeful! Isn't the table lovely, Bettina?" And indeed it was. Rose-decorated again, with the graceful flowers in baskets, and the white bride's cake in the center of the table, Bettina felt that it made the proper setting for the flushed and smiling little bride. "And the wedding cake is to be passed in darling l

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CHAPTER CLII

CHAPTER CLII

"That's the queer part of it," Bettina replied. "That year seems unbelievably short in some ways and unbelievably long in others, and stranger yet, I don't feel that it is really gone. I feel as if we had it, captured, held forever, with all of its fun and all of its little sad times. We own it, even more than we own a collection of snapshots in a camera book—because that year is a part of us now." "And the little hard places only make the bright spots all the brighter by contrast. Do you know,

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