The room glittered with crystal. At each place three different wine glasses stood in a row. Large plates, medium size plates and small plates competed for space with dishes, bowls and napkins.

The guests tittered at the excess. They waited for the special guest to arrive. I made a determined effort to corral a bread basket. I pulled out a warm roll and then I turned my attention to butter. I love salty butter on bread. It’s one of my weaknesses. I spied a small dish with golden pats, just waiting to be taken. Looking both ways to make sure I was not being observed I speared at least five of the canary yellow squares of goodness.

I relaxed now that I had my butter. That’s all I needed to make it through the night.