But I suppose it ca n't be helped . '' `` No , '' agreed Frances , sitting down and beginning to peel apples . `` So there is no use in lamenting , or I would certainly sit down and cry , I feel so disappointed . '' `` Is Uncle Frank coming ? '' `` Yes , Aunt Clara says he will come down from Stellarton if Mrs. King does not get worse . So that will leave just one vacant place . We must invite someone to fill it up . Who shall it be ? '' Both girls looked rather puzzled . Mrs. Allen smiled a quiet little smile all to herself and went on chopping suet . She had handed the Thanksgiving dinner over to Frances and Alma this year . They were to attend to all the preparations and invite all the guests . But although they had made or planned several innovations in the dinner itself , they had made no change in the usual list of guests . `` It must just be the time-honoured family affair , '' Frances had declared . `` If we begin inviting other folks , there is no knowing when to draw the line . We ca n't have more than fourteen , and some of our friends would be sure to feel slighted . '' So the same old list it was . But now Aunt Clara -- dear , jolly Aunt Clara , whom everybody in the connection loved and admired -- could not come , and her place must be filled . `` We ca n't invite the new minister , because we would have to have his sister , too , '' said Frances . `` And there is no reason for asking any one of our girl chums more than another . ''
`` Mother , you will have to help us out , '' said XXXXX .
Allen Alma Clara Frances King chums girls guests innovations suet