This took more time, but presently Dolly read:
| "Lamb soufflé; sweet potato puff; corn fritters. |
| Oranges. |
| Coffee." |
"That is a distinctly inferior menu," said Mary severely. "I see you are not ready for a prize yet, unless it's a booby prize. That soufflé of the lamb is quite right, but imagine what a light and trifling meal for a hungry man! Soufflé,—half fluff; corn fritters, and potato puff,—more fluffiness. What should have begun that dinner, Dolly, in December?"
"Oh, of course! A heavy bean soup; but I will add that."
"Before you do, let me finish my criticisms. Oranges are too light a dessert for a simple meal unless everything else is heavy. With the bean soup you will improve things, but it seems to me you should have either crackers and cheese with the fruit and coffee, or nuts and coffee instead of the oranges."
"Oh, well, I can easily rewrite the whole thing. How is this?
| "Black bean soup. |
| Lamb soufflé; fried sweet potatoes; succotash. |
| Nuts and raisins. |
| Coffee." |
"Splendid! I could not do better myself. You put dried beans in with the corn, and sliced and fried the sweet potatoes. That is a very good dinner indeed. Now do two menus for January and use up left-overs again."
| "Corned beef; cabbage; mashed potatoes. |
| Canned string-bean salad. |
| Mince pie and cheese. |
| Coffee." |