“Suppose that before doing so we draw up a dinner, and see what we can make of that. I will furnish the menu this time.”
“Very good. Only remember to take into consideration Emma’s limited capacity,” said Mabel.
Again there was silence. After a few minutes Amy read aloud once more:—
Menu.
- Potato Soup.
- Tomatoes Farcies.
- Rolled Loin of Mutton and Sour Plums.
- Mashed Potatoes, with Brown Potatoes round.
- Stewed Celery.
- Ready-made Pudding. Orange Jelly.
- Macaroni Cheese.
- Dessert.
- Coffee.
Estimate.
Potato soup, 11d.; tomatoes farcies, 1s.; mutton, forcemeat, gravy, &c., 6s. 9d.; potatoes and celery, 6d.; orange jelly, 1s. 4d.; ready-made pudding, 1s. 3d.; macaroni cheese, 9d.; dessert, 3s.; coffee, 10d. Altogether, 16s. 4d.
Mabel was silent for a moment from amazement. Then she said—
“That is very extraordinary. I would not have believed it.”
“Yes, dear. But you must take into account that you drew up rather a luxurious tea; and my dinner is a very simple and homely one. Therefore you were scarcely fair to yourself.”