The four ran pell-mell to the pantry, and looked over the shelves hastily, but with thoroughness.
"A custard pie, thank goodness," said Rosalie. "That settles the dessert."
"I am going to have this apple sauce and bread and butter," said Treasure suddenly. "You folks can get what you like."
"Oh, I'm going to have toast and milk," cried Zee. "I'll toast it myself—and—"
"I'd like a fried egg sandwich," said Alicia, "if you do not mind. And I want to fix it myself. I just love them, and mother never has time to make them for our big family."
"I'll have one, too," decided Rosalie. "Suppose you fix mine when you do yours, and I'll be making hot chocolate for all of us. And we'll have some sweet pickles if Zee will bring them from the cellar."
In the confusion of getting four separate luncheons on one gas stove at the same minute, one could not find time for much formality. Zee stepped on Alicia's toes, and Alicia splashed hot butter on Treasure's hand, and Rosalie let the chocolate boil over on the eggs. But finally they were seated companionably about the table, and by that time they were fairly well acquainted.
When luncheon was over, Zee and Treasure set about the dishes, and Rosalie and Alicia disappeared. But when Rosalie came into the kitchen on an errand a little later, Zee said:
"She seems all right, I think. I bet she needs a beau."