It was all delicious, the doctor declared, and he filled
Jean with satisfaction by asking to be helped a third time to her
macaroni and cheese, and praised the roast until the other girls
exchanged envious glances.
Florence's dinner followed, and was a surprise to them all, for
this dainty, helpless girl, who had been brought up to know
nothing of the practical side of life, had developed a real genius
for cookery; and during the past two months she had spent many a
happy hour in the kitchen, helping the cook to concoct her
elaborate dishes with a skill which won the praise of even that
accomplished tyrant, and Florence was making rapid progress
towards being able to take charge of the house and servants which
had been promised to her on Hallowe'en.
Polly's turn came last of all, and she had determined to retire
from the contest covered with glory in all their eyes. She had
chosen the first Saturday in May for her party, and she had gained
her mother's somewhat reluctant consent to extend her invitations
to include Mrs. Dwight, Mrs. Lang, and Mrs. Hapgood, as well as
the other girls and Alan, who had been the usual guests.
It proved to be one of the warm, heavy days which come in the
early part of May, a day that is delightful to those who can be
absolutely idle, but which is singularly oppressive to the
unfortunate majority who have duties to which they must attend.
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