CHAPTER CVII RUTH'S PLANS
"A
ND so, Bettina," said Ruth, sitting down on the high stool in Bettina's neat little kitchen, "Fred says we will begin the house early in the spring —as early as possible—and be married in May or June." "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 the wedding except that it will be a quiet one. And I want to ask you so much about house furnishings—curtains, and all that." "I'd love to help!" cried Bettina with enthusiasm. "There isn't anything that is such fun. Oh, Ruth!" "Gracious me! What?" cried Ruth, for Bettina had jumped up suddenly. "Poor Ruth," laughed Bettina, "I didn't mean to frighten you. I forgot my cake, that was all, and I was afraid it had burned. But it hasn't. A minute longer though— you know a chocolate cake does burn so easily. But it's all right. However, you must admit that I did pretty well not to burn it while I was listening to wedding plans!" That night Bettina served for dinner: Swiss Steak Bread
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Creamed Cauliflower Butter Chocolate Nougat Cake Coffee BETTINA'S RECIPES (All measurements are level) Swiss Steak (Three portions) 1 lb. of round steak two-thirds of an inch thick 5 T-flour 1 bay leaf ¼ t-salt
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