CHAPTER CXXVIII
AT DINNER
"MARY gave a waffle party today," announced Bettina at the dinner table.
"A waffle party in the afternoon?" said Bob. "That was queer! Usually at afternoon parties you women serve tiny little cups of tea and dainty olive sandwiches, almost too small to be visible; don't you? Waffles are more sensible, I think, but it seems a shame that we men had to miss such a party."
"Well, I'm afraid I'll have to acknowledge that we had a very good time without you," laughed Bettina, wickedly. "It has been cold today, you know, and Mary's kitchen was so warm and bright and cozy! We all went out there and took turns baking the waffles. We consumed a large number of them, and had a very jolly informal kind of time. We housekeepers compared notes and gave each other advice and really learned a great many things."
"Such as——"
"Well, Alice tells me that when she makes a devil's food cake she removes all of the melted chocolate from the pan by adding a little flour which mixes in thoroughly and saves any waste of chocolate. Surely that is worth knowing."
"It certainly is, though I'll admit that I don't quite understand your language."
"Well, cheer up, Bob! There are times when I confess that I don't quite understand the automobile explanations you so often give me of late!"