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, making a little face. "I do love to have perfect little meals and cooking is such fun, but you just can't have things right without having them expensive; I've found that out. Last night we had a simple enough dinner—a very good steak with French fried potatoes and creamed asparagus on toast. Then a fruit salad with mayonnaise and steamed suet pudding and coffee. Harry said everything was perfect, but——" "I'm sure it was, Alice. You are so clever at everything you do. But wasn't that expensive for just a home dinner for two? Steak and creamed asparagus! And mayonnaise is so expensive! Then think of the gas you use, too!" "I didn't think of the gas," said Alice ruefully. "I thought of Harry's likes, and of variety, and of a meal that balanced well. But not much about economy. I'll have to consult you, Bettina. I'll tell you: Couldn't I plan my menus ahead for a week, and bring them over to you to criticise? That would be fun, and I'm sure you could teach me a great deal." "I'd love to have you, Alice," smiled Bettina. For luncheon Bettina served: Chicken Loaf Baking Powder Biscuits Caramel Custard Coffee
Creamed Potatoes Cranberry jelly Whipped Cream
BETTINA'S RECIPES (All measurements are level) Chicken Loaf (Two portions) ½ C-cooked chicken ½ C-ground, cooked veal ½ C-soft bread crumbs ½ t-salt 1/ t-celery salt 8
[332]
