"It is!" Mrs. Townsend spoke with eagerness.
"I might not be able to manage the most elaborate dishes----"
"Cook can't be too ill to tell you what is necessary."
"But, mother," Olive protested, "Jane must be at the table. She can't be in the kitchen, sending in courses."
"That's of no consequence," declared Jane, quickly. "I don't mind missing the luncheon in the least."
"They are all older women," murmured Mrs. Townsend, closing her eyes wearily. When Olive took things in hand, it was always difficult to oppose her.
"Yes, but Jane is our bride. And you expect me to be there. If Jane stays in the kitchen, so shall I."
"I don't know what to do," and the poor lady on the bed, among her pillows, looked as if she were indeed suffering.
There was a minute's silence. Then Jane spoke with gentle decision.
"Olive, dear, that is very nice of you, but I truly don't mind in the least. It is n't as if you had n't already introduced me everywhere, and I had n't been entertained over and over. If mother's guests are older ladies, my absence surely won't be noticed. And I 'd love to try what I can do. You know I 've had years of training at cookery, and if I can't manage all of Cook's dishes, perhaps I can substitute others that are n't at all common. I can promise at least that nothing will be burned."