There are a good many people, and the number is increasing, who
declare that to them a dinner is finished by a bit of cheese after the
salad, and finished quite to their satisfaction, too. But for those
whose dinner is incomplete without a bit of sweetness, I would
recommend a macaroon charlotte made by lining a dish with broken
macaroons and then filling the dish with whipped cream which has been
sweetened and flavored to taste; adding to it at last half a pound of
crystallized cherries.
As to the wines, of course, it's a matter of purse and principle
whether or not they shall be served. I have suggested the kinds
appropriate to the courses, for the reason that I have heard many a
hostess "on hospitable thoughts intent" wonder "what wine goes with
what."
* * * * *
To be sure, I went a-marketing t'other day, and I was able to collect
a stock of valuable information which I came home prepared to dish up
for the delectation of any who chose to read and profit by it. But by
some chance, or mischance, it occurred to me that All-Hallows Eve is
near at hand, and that when it comes you girls will be up to all sorts
of pranks. Now, years and years ago I was a girl myself, and I can
dimly recall that the playing of pranks on the fairies' anniversary
night induced a desire for liquid refreshment, either for the purpose
of chirking up one's spirits when the omens proved unfavorable or for
helping out the general merry-making when the signs foretold bliss.