Chapter 8 Summary

Winford is to get a distinguished guest, Mrs. Winford, the widow of the man who founded the school. Katrin's class gets the honor of providing refreshments for the visit. One of the girls volunteers to bring her Silver Tea Service for the visit, making Katrin jealous and forcing her to state that she'll bring something, too.

Katrin asks Mama to cook something for the visit, something very fancy to outshine everyone. Mama replies she only cooks in a plain way. Mama suggests cakes or cookies, but other girls are bringing those. They decide on Mama's famous Norwegian meat balls. Because they must be served hot, Aunt Jenny provides a chafing dish, along with alcohol and a match to keep them hot. Katrin is convinced she'll have the best dish.

On the day of the visit, Katrin is sent down to the furnace room...