Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-04-15
Dining Out
Mrs. Townsend's Difficulty
in Ordering the Lunch.


Let me see the bill of fare" Janet
said, reaching for it.
In a minute" Jack answered; q
just want to see what kinds of soup
there are"
y don't want soup said Janet
Neither do L. her mother added
But Id like some Jack insisted.
Now, here's some of the mulliga-
tawny, What's that like?
If you take soup, We'll have to sit
doing nothing while you eat yours,
Janet objected. And, besides, one
portion is more than you can eat, and
it will be wasted
than to leave it after it is paid for,
was Jacks answer.
You don't have soup usually at
home" his mother remarked.
That's why | want it. What's the
use OF going to restaurant if you
just eat what you get at home?"
You're not here for amusement
but to get some food" Janet observed.
"All right Jack agreed; then you
can just eat oatmeal with bread and
butter. That'll be cheap and filing"
Janet began to look cross
Here" Mrs. Townsend said, "let
me take the bill of fare. | will order
the luncheon" After moment she
looked up Suppose, Janet, you and
have some tea and fancy cakes, and
for Jack | will order-some baked
chicken pie
Il don't like chicken pie. I'd rather
have mock turtle soup and chicken
salad and ice cream"
That's too much" his mother re-
piled, "and it's too EXPENSIVE
Well, them Jack grumbled, eff |
can't have what l want, | won't take
anything!"
That's just like you!" Janet ex-
claimed. You just go and spoil
everything!'
Well, Jack muttered. I'm not
going to guzzle tea and crumble dried
up cake. Id rather take chewing
gum!"
Mrs. Townsend put down the bill of
fare in despair.
Il do wish you wouldn't be so trou,
blesome! I'm sure | can't suit you all
without ordering a lot of things we
don't want. And it's wasting money
too. All we need is a light luncheon
so that you will not get too hungry
before your dinner" She picked up
the bill once more. Let me see.
What do you say to a nice salad with
French dressing and some rollso"
Don't like leaves Jack muttered,
while Janet looked equally unhappy,
and asked: Can't we have some das-
sert2"
'Dessert?" echoed Mrs. Townsend.
Yes, we could. Suppose we say rice
pudding?"
This was the last straw. Jack went
down to the depths of despair, and
Janets lower lip began to tremble
Well, Children their mother said.
shall | give the order?"
I'D rather go without anything
was Jacks reply, and he turned indif-
ferently from the table.
SO would L. Janet agreed.
Have you ordered?" inquired
waiter, approaching briskly.
Not yet" said Mrs. Townsend. "ru
let you know in just a moment. Come.
children, what will you have?"
You won't let us have what we
want" Jack answered coldly.
I'm sure | don't know what to do
You suggest ridiculous things and
won't say yes to anything else"
Women don't know what men like
for lunch" Jack observed grandly.
20, very WELL Mrs Townsend re-
piled. I'VE can't wait much longer
Your father wished us to be prompt
SO as to be in time for the matinee
Now he will be- Here he comes
I'm glad. If you don't like me to or
der, you can just ask your father"
Mr.. Townsend came in briskly.
smiling and gay. He made his way
to the table, and greeted them affec-
tionately. Then he noted the frost in
the air.
What's the matter?" he inquired.
Luncheon not served? Where's your
waiter?"
1--WE couldn't decide what to have
said Mrs. Townsend Janet wanted
some ice cream
81 didn't say So" Janet interrupted.
And Jack chose mulligatawny
soup"
Mock turtle" Jack corrected. 81
only asked what mulligatawny-"
That's neither here nor there" his
father remarked, hastily consulting
his watch And what did you want,
my dear?"
only cup of tea" Mrs. Townsend
answered "and some cake"
"Thatll never do" her husband
said, frownmg and shaking his head,
Then rapping sharply on the table. he
brought the waiter on the run. Here.
waiter" he said. bring two portions
roast beef rare, with gravy, mashed
potatoes, and have them served quick
as YOU can. We're in hurry"
Yes, sah,' replied the waiter and
disappeared with napkin trailing in
the breeze.