The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-09-01

WHY uluH you say S0T' asked Carrie,
sharply, detaching large Lynnhaven
from it's shell. "You needn't make us
all uncomfortable by complaining
| about it now"
! IAN opinion of public restaurant
shouldn't make anyone uncomforta-
ble," retorted Helen stiffly. "It's GER
tainly nothing personal"
Eyes, that's a good location, but it's
only a twenty-foot lot-and they can't
protect the light" The men were talk
ing real estate.
Il simply loathe a noisy, bangy or
chestra when l eat" went on Carrie
with aggravating persistency. "To me
this is much more restful."
Helen refrained from continuing the
argument. Somehow Carrie always
succeeded in irritating her. They
could never be- s2gether without clash
ing.
AS the dinner progressed, she took
refuge in silence. 1t was useless to
try to talk with this feeling of antag-
onism between them. The more she
brooded over the probable cost of the
dinner, the more she resented Carries
inconsiderate, extravagant ordering.
Lets see that card again." Warren
motioned to the waiter. "Look over
the desserts there, Carrie"
"Why, dear, it's almost eight now"
broke in Helen. "Will we have time
for dessert"
Were not ten minutes from the
station" remarked Carrie coldly,
twirling her last stalk of asparagus in
the rich Hollandaise.
"oh, then you may gave time," hast
lily, fearing Carrie had OWNED her
real motive.
"I'n have pineapple mousse and cof-
Fee" calmly.
mo, I don't care for anything more"
Helen pushed back the card the watt
er prOffered her.
Nothing more" Lawrence, too,
waved it aside.
"Why, don't you want some cheese?"
insisted Carrie. "You know you like
Camembert."
"Sure, two Camamberts," Warren
gave the order. "And we'll all have
Coffee
If Carrie was not well, her appe-
tite did not betray it. She was thor
oughly enjoying this expensive dinner
for which Lawrence did not have to
pay.
When the waiter finally laid the
check at Warrens elbow, in swift
furtive glance Helen caught the omin-
GUS total-$11.65. Then with studi-
ously averted eyes she drew on her
gloves. An la carte meal always
ran into alarming figures-but $11.65
for that dinner was exorbitant.
"Only ten Of" announced Carrie, tri-
umphantly nibbling pink mint served
with the finger bowls. II told you we
had plenty of time"
Outside, as they waited for a street
car, Lawrence asked cordially:
"Now, when are you folks coming
out? How about Sunday afternoon"
"Tm afraid we can't make 1t this
month";" regretted Warren.
"Well, Carrie has to come in next
week for fitting. Friday, isn't it,
Why can't you dine with us then?"
"Oh, you must" urged Carrie. "The
Craigs told US about the dearest little
Italian place that I'm wild to try. You
sit out in the backyard hung with |
Japanese lanterns. It's q bit of real
bohemia"
Eyes, we know Of several Of these
backyard table d'hotes," remarked |
Helen Jelly.
"But this is a new one. They've
just opened up this season. It's way
down near Washington square-pve
forgotten the number. Now be sure
to keep Friday OPEN" as they started
for the car. WED love to have you
go with u.s."
"Well, they seemed to enjoy it" War
rem turned to buy paper at the cor
ner newsstand.
Helen was struggling to keep back
the sarcastic comments. Any remarks
on the expense of the dinner would
only irritate him to scathing denun-
citation of her penuriousness.
$50 we're going with them to
cheap table d'hote next Friday?" This
thrust she could not resist. "That's
what I suggested-but you said Carri,
disliked them"
"Oh, they're all right once in
while, but don't think she'd have en-
joyed it tonight" with entire uncon-
seriousness.
mo, probably not--since they
weren't paying the BILL" under her
breath.
"How's that?' angrily. "Now ses
here; cut that line of talk, Lawrence
always keeps uD his end. He's gen.
erous to fault"
Il don't know about Lawrence--but
Carries certainly not overburdened
with generosity" recklessly.
She's not, Ell? Vol, compared to
you,' with disdalnful snort, "she's
a shining example of munificent liber.
Atty. An Automat lunch, five nickels
Tor each guest--that's about your idea
,f q blowout y N