This being placed on the table before them, was
uncovered, and proved to be a food container of a new model.
"I had one made in Paris," she explained, "and the rest copied here to
save paying duty. Lift it!"
They lifted it in amazement--it was so light.
"Aluminum," she said, proudly, "Silver plated--new process! And bamboo
at the corners you see. All lined and interlined with asbestos, rubber
fittings for silver ware, plate racks, food compartments--see?"
She pulled out drawers, opened little doors, and rapidly laid out a
table service for five.
"It will hold food for five--the average family, you know. For larger
orders you'll have to send more. I had to make _some_ estimate."
"What lovely dishes!" said Diantha.
"Aren't they! Aluminum, silvered! If your washers are careful they
won't get dented, and you can't break 'em."
Mrs. Bell examined the case and all its fittings with eager attention.
"It's the prettiest thing I ever saw," she said. "Look, Diantha; here's
for soup, here's for water--or wine if you want, all your knives and
forks at the side, Japanese napkins up here. Its lovely, but--I should
think--expensive!"
Mrs. Weatherstone smiled. "I've had twenty-five of them made. They
cost, with the fittings, $100 apiece, $2,500. I will rent them to you,
Miss Bell, at a rate of 10 per cent. interest; only $250 a year!"
"It ought to take more," said Mrs.
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