“What a lovely idea!” exclaimed Mrs. Larry. “I’ve been keeping a diary; so with our coffee and cheese, some one shall read a little summary of our ‘Adventures in Thrift.’ Of course,” she continued, with a suggestion of contrition, “I started these investigations, and I’m willing to look into parcel-post economy--but--well--My wardrobe’s getting in a shocking state, so if you go to Brooklyn, I’ll go shopping.” “And I’ll go with you,” said Teresa. Mr. Larry chuckled. “Perhaps you might even find the way to thrift in department-store buying.” “No,” said Mrs. Moore decidedly. “I don’t believe in bargain counters or sales.” “If not, why not? I propose that you add to this quest the problem: ‘When is a bargain not a bargain?’ Is there such a thing as standardization in fabrics and wearing apparel?” “Larry, Larry!” cried his wife. “Haven’t we had trouble enough with the food proposition? And now you’re asking us to shatter the last illusion of shopping--the bargain.” “Nothing of the sort,” retorted her husband, “I was just thinking--if you know half as much about drygoods as you do about foodstuffs, we’ll soon own a car like this--just see if we don’t!” CHAPTER IX “_Chasing the penny to its lair is the housewife’s favorite indoor sport._”--H. C. OF L. PROVERB NO. 9. A refreshing breeze floated into the dining-room window of Mr. and Mrs. Larry’s apartment. It passed Teresa Moore’s competent square shoulders and touched Mrs. Norton’s sleek hair and Claire’s pale clear skin. It played on Mrs. Larry’s sparkling face. It made the men, including Jimmy Graves, who had come all the way from Kansas City for the great occasion, sit up a little straighter. It quickened Lena’s steps, as, with crisp little cap and apron gleaming white in the dim room, she brought in the coffee service. “For winding up adventures in thrift, I should like to remark that it was _some_ dinner,” said Mr. Moore, smiling at his hostess. “I was thinking the same thing,” commented Mr. Norton, “and wondering whether Mrs. Larry has spent at one fell swoop all she has been saving in the last few months.” “Well,” said Mrs. Larry, “I’m going to tell you what it cost. Four months ago this dinner would have made a shocking dent in my housekeeping allowance. Now, let me tell you the difference in prices: “First course, iced melons, three for a quarter, if I had bought them at Dahlgren’s Store. In the ‘Home Hamper,’ three for ten. Saving, fifteen cents. “Cold consommé; a ten-cent can of soup and enough gelatine to make it quiver. In the old days I would have bought a soup bone at fifteen cents, soup greens, five cents, and used gas for the slow process of simmering. Of course, this process would yield more stock, but in hot weather it might not keep. So we’ll say at least ten cents saved and just as delicious, too. I’m learning how to utilize standard, factory-made food.