t was determined to prepare their
breakfasts and dinners and to put up lunches. To allow a certain
freedom, it was agreed that each should pack her own lunch, and that
regular meals should be cooked and served, turn and turn about, each
partner acting for a week. A second member washed the dishes and took
general care of the apartment. Thus a girl's general program reduced to,

First week Cooking
Second week Free
Third week Dishes, etc.
Fourth week Free
Fifth week Cooking
Etc.

During an experimental period, the cost of provisions and ice was summed
up weekly and paid by equal assessment. Later a fixed assessment of
seven dollars, each, was agreed to, and proved sufficient. There were
even slight surpluses to go into the mannikin jar on the living room
mantel, which Clarice called the "Do Drop Inn", because it provided from
its contents refreshment for those who dropped in of an evening.

Naturally there was a friendly rivalry, not only in making the most of
the allotment, but in providing attractive meals and dainty special
dishes. Clarice's stuffed tomatoes won deserved fame, and Margaret made
a reputation on cheese souffle. Peggy, too, was a wizard with the
chafing dish.

Consideration was given the matter of special guests, either for meals,
or for over-night. The couch in the living room provided emergency
sleeping quarters. As for meals, separate fixed rates were set for
breakfasts and for dinners. This was paid into the regular weekly
provision fund by the girl who brought the guest, or by all four
equally, if she were a "general" guest. The girl who brought a guest
also "pitched in" and helped with the work.

Whenever the group went out for a meal, as they did now and then for a
change, or for amusement, or recreation, each girl paid her own share at
once.

Finally, there was the factor of laundry. After a little experimenting,
household linen was worked out on an "average" basis, so that a regular
amount could be assessed each week. Of course each girl met the expense
of her own private laundry.

As a result of this planning, each member of the household found herself
obligated to meet a weekly assessment containing the following items:
Rent, furniture tax, household laundry, extras ($1.00) and personal
laundry. Of these, the only item not positively fixed, as to amount, was
the last. Each girl, naturally, paid all her s