The Son of My Friend

I'VE been thinking, said I, speaking to my husband, who stood drawing on his gloves.
Have you? he answered; then give me the benefit of your thoughts.
That we shall have to give a party. You know we've accepted a number of invitations this winter, and it's but right that we should contribute our share of social entertainment.
I have thought as much myself, was his reply. And so far we stand agreed. But, as I am very busy just now, the heaviest part of the burden will fall on you.
There is a way of making it light, you know, I returned.
How? he queried.
By employing a professional caterer. He will supply everything for the table, and furnish writers. We will have nothing to do but receive our guests.
My husband shrugged his shoulders and smiled, as he said, What will it cost?
Almost anything we please. But the size of the company will have the most to do with that.
Say we invite one hundred.
Then we can make the cost range anywhere between three hundred dollars and a thousand.
A large sum to throw away on a single evening's entertainment of our friends. I am very sure I could put it to a better use.