Alma Allen looked up from the cake she was frosting to ask , `` What is the matter ? You look as if your letter contained unwelcome news , Fan . '' `` So it does . It is from Aunt Clara , to say she can not come . She has received a telegram that her sister-in-law is very ill and she must go to her at once . '' Mrs. Allen looked regretful , and Alma cast her spoon away with a tragic air . `` That is too bad . I feel as if our celebration were spoiled . 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 XXXXX the usual list of guests .
Alma Clara So at from in on that to with