The Ordway new era., 1917-08-24

Mabel Herbert Urnss Ahe! CIV.
restaurant din
ner. And especially if they're rushed
"Then let's 60 to n table d'hote-
that little French place." thinking OF
the economy Of a moderate, fixed
priced dinner.
mo, Carries not very we'll. She'll
want some real food. They suggest
ed meeting at the Biltdorf-guess
she'd rather dine there"
1t was like Carrie, thought Helen
resentfully, to suggest the newest
and most ultra-expensIve hotel res
Hummelshine, she was not paying
the check.
"Why, I thought she liked those
Bohemian table d'hotes," persistent
ly. "Last winter they took US to
Poreito's-only sixty cents with wine,
wasn't it7"
"Well, we're not going to any du-
bious table d'hote tonight" with con-
viction, as they approached the avn
inged entrance to the Biltdorf.
Through the crowded lobby they
passed on to the writing room.
where Warren's sister and her hus-
band were waiting. In spite of her
long days shopping, Carrie looked
fresh and well groomed in a trim
suit of dark blue taffeta.
"Where're we going to eat7" asked
Warren after the first greetings.
"Waut to try 1t here?"
"Yes, this Is near the station" ac-
ceded Carrie, promptly. 1--WE have to
get the $40"
Deciding against the main dining
room as too formal, they made their
way down to the grill. Apparently
1t was too early for the grillroom pa
irons, for only few tables were tax
en-. The severely plain cellar-like ef-
feet was most cherries. The gray
cement walls and high reflected lights
had the chill baroness Of subway
station.
"Don't look very lively" admitted
Warren. "Where shall we sit?'
"It's a little early. SIR" apolOgized
the head waiter rs he drew out their
chairs. 1--WE don't begin to fill up till
after seven"
The lowering omnibus ladled Ice
into the glasses. brought on the nap
kln-COFeTeu ulIlIleT ioiio anu shS sAA---
curls Of unsalted butter.
"See anything there that strikes
you?" demanded Warren, when they
were all supplied with menus. SLOW
about clams?"
"Td rather have oysters" Carrie
suggested. "But I suppose they're
not good now-no r. in this month"
"Oh, they'll be all right here. Lynn
havens?"
Lawrence ordered clam cocktail
and Helen, after swift comparison
of the prices, plain clans.
Anything but chlcken-we get moth
ing else at home" objected Carrie,
when Warren suggested broiled chick
en-. whats this steak la BiltdorfT
"That's with grilled tomatoes and
mushrooms. It's very nice, ma'am,"
ventured the waiter.
Every well; TIL have that"
"Steak a la Biltdorf" was $1.5O
single portion, noticed Helen with
growing resentment. Lawrence's pref
erence was more moderate-creamed
~sweetbreads. Warren ordered an Eng
lish mutton chop, and Helen broiled
sea bass-the cheapest Of the entrees.
snow how about vegetables?"
Carrie promptly ordered potatoes au
gratin and asparagus Hollandaise.
Though usually adept at keeping
down the cost of dinner, Helen,
knowing her shrewd sister-in-law
would be quick to see through any
suggestions Of more moderate
priced dishes, was forced to sit help
less while they gave the order with
extravagant disregard Of prices.
Even the notifying effect Of a dry
Martini did not lessen her resentment
or put her in more hospitable mood.
But, fortunately there would be
no dessert, she reflected with grim
satisfaction. II they took the $40.
they would not have time for either
salad or dessert.
mo music heref'. asked Lawrence,
dipping clam in the cocktail sauce.
"That's what was wondering. The
prices are high enough for some en-
tertainment," observed Helen criti-
cally.
"You're supposed to come here for
food" shrugged Warren. 'sThey claim
they've got the best chef in New
York" @ s..i
But Helen. thought Of the many at
tractive restaurants with music end
fcabqxet. Here the. prices wers exorbi-
| lfSAt and thq I've nothing f0r at.
~ et1nos:
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