{{betlep046.png}}

Clara's expression that her surprise was not
an agreeable one, but Betty, who was picking up
her fork, pleasantly said "good evening, Clara.
This seems to be a good place to come for
supper."

Clara's murmured reply was scarcely audible
and she began to talk in an animated fashion
with Brad, who leaned back in his chair, how-
ever, to say "how-do-you-do" to Betty and Chet.
Supper engaged their attention, with the pass-
ing of rolls and butter, cream and sugar, the big
dish of cranberry sauce and one or two other
homey and appetizing accompaniments of the
turkey supper. But Betty did wish that she had
a chance to tell Clara that she had not worked
for that office against her. Still, it was probably
best not to mention it. Clara was quite stiff in
her necessary remarks as something must be
passed, or when Chet, saying something to
Brad, drew Clara into the conversation.

Impulsively, at last, as they were finishing on
pumpkin pie, Betty spoke in a low tone, not to
be heard in the midst of other conversation
about them. Chet was talking to the "waitress,"
who had brought him his pie and whom they
all knew. She was a junior girl at Lyon High.
Brad had turned to the boy next to him with
some question about the coming game.


 [[46]]