"My dear, of course you cannot be a worker in the ordinary sense. But believe me you would feel all the better with something to interest you a little. It never does anyone any good to lie and think about themselves all day. I found that out when I was ill; and no sooner did I begin to think of my work than I felt better at once." Rachel was silent. She wondered how much longer she could endure the intense activity of her mother-in-law. She thought she would have to take to her bed; but she knew the air was the only thing for her. "Let me see," continued Mrs. Greville. "There's a Mrs. Simpkins at the bottom of the hill who has a fine boy, and next door is that poor thriftless woman whose baby is nothing but skin and bones. It will do the mothers a world of good having to weigh their babies; they'd be ashamed then of their little puny creatures. We must certainly have the Show before the summer is over. When shall it be?" "Whenever you like," said Rachel wearily. Then she added, "Ask Luke." "Oh it won't make any difference to Luke. It is a question for his mother and wife to decide. Shall we say at the end of August?" "Luke has a clerical meeting here one day in August. You had better ask him." "Will the clergy be here to tea?" "Yes, and they come to lunch too." "Come to lunch! How ridiculous! In these days to give lunch is quite unnecessary I am sure. Why it can't be done under—" "Oh don't say that to Luke," interrupted Rachel. "It's such a delight to him to be able at last to offer hospitality to his brother clergy. He is quite looking forward to it." "Well I call it very unnecessary. What are they going to have? I hope you are not preparing a spread. Because you have a rather better living than your last it does not mean that you must forget the necessity of being economical." Rachel laughed hysterically. Here it was again! Eggs at 4d and margarine instead of butter! "Don't let us talk of economy yet," she said. "Let us enjoy, anyhow for a time, being able to give something to one's neighbours." "And pray who is going to do the cooking?" "Emma. In her last place she had to cook for clerical lunches and knows just what is necessary. And," she added laughing, "I mean to give them a good lunch." "What do you mean by a good lunch?" Mrs. Greville sarcastically. "Do you intend to give them chickens? They are nine shillings each at Trowsby." "No I don't mean to give chickens. They are probably tired of them in the country. But they shall have a good lunch, I am determined about that, for Luke's sake." "My dear you are talking like a very silly woman;" said Mrs. Greville gravely. "Am I? I am sorry, but for once in my life I mean to be silly. So you must forgive me," said Rachel.