Mrs. Greville said no more, but came to the conclusion that Rachel was a little light-headed, particularly as the conversation had set her laughing weakly. She supposed her presence was too exciting for her, so in a few minutes she picked up her work and made for the house, and before long Rachel caught sight of her making her way towards the gate with a note book and pencil in hand. "She is going to look after the babies," sighed Rachel. "I hope she won't make those poor mothers too miserable by her comments." Then her mind reverted to one of Mrs. Greville's remarks. "I wonder," she thought, "if she really imagines that I lie and think of myself all day! A woman with a husband and child, not to mention a mother-in-law and the housekeeping, has scarcely time to lead an idle life even in thought. Little Pat's clothes would be enough to keep me busy even if I had nothing else to do." And Rachel, who had laid down her work while talking to Mrs. Greville, took it up again. It was not long before she heard the gate open and her mother-in-law's somewhat heavy tread on the gravel. "You are back sooner than I expected," said Rachel. Mrs. Greville looked tired and dispirited. "Yes. I found my suggestion of a Baby Show rather upset the women. They seemed to take offence and were up in arms at once. That thriftless creature with the puny baby was almost rude to me, so I felt it would be as well to put the show off for a time." Rachel sighed a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry that you have had your walk for nothing," she said, "but on the other hand it would be such a pity to create an ill feeling. Besides I would so much rather that our first gathering should be a tea in the garden. They would get to know us then and Luke could talk to them. I am bent, when I feel a little stronger, on inviting the whole parish." "Another expense," said Mrs. Greville. "I know. But it need not be an annual affair; just a kind of house warming." "I wonder how much it would cost." Rachel, who had been anticipating managing the tea herself directly she felt strong enough, had noticed the disappointed expression on Mrs. Greville's face when her plan of the baby show had failed; she evidently felt a little depressed. Should she put the whole management of the tea into her mother-in-law's hands? She knew Mrs. Greville would not be happy unless she had plenty to do, In fact she was so restless that she would make work if it were not provided for her. It would be a disappointment, but anything was better than to have an unhappy, restless, person in the house. When Rachel asked Mrs. Greville if she would undertake the tea for her she cheered up at once. Taking out her pocket book she put down the probable number that they might expect, and began to discuss at once how much bread would be wanted, and what the whole affair would cost.