It was at the early dinner that the bomb fell. "I have asked my mother to lunch to-morrow," said Luke. "Oh Luke!" For the moment Rachel was off her guard and did not restrain the bitter disappointment that his news gave her. Then seeing a surprised look on her husband's face, she added quickly, "It is such a small room for four big people." Luke laughed. "Four big people! I don't think any of us answer to that description. Certainly you don't. I wish you did." Rachel was too disappointed to be able to laugh. "I had so hoped that you and I would have him to ourselves," she murmured. "But it was only natural that we should ask my mother," said Luke. "And you need not worry about the food. She will send round something suitable." "There will be plenty," said Rachel, a little stiffly. Luke glanced across the table at his wife. He had never heard her speak in that tone of voice before. What could possibly have upset her, he wondered. "He was father's greatest friend," continued Rachel, "and I had such a lot to talk to him about. It will just make all the difference having a third person." "Yes, I can understand that, if it were a stranger, but after all it is only my mother. She need make no difference." He was just a little surprised at his wife, and could not understand why she should make a trouble of it. Rachel did not speak. Her heart was hot within her. How blind Luke was! Were all men like him? Surely he must have noticed how impossible it was for her to be her best in his mother's presence, being conscious, as she was, of her critical spirit. Then she glanced across at her husband. He was looking perplexed and a little worried. And had she not registered a vow that he should never be worried with her smallnesses? "O well, it does not really matter," she said with a faint laugh. "I am apt to make mountains of molehills I expect. Don't look so grave Luke. Of course you were quite right to ask your mother. She would no doubt have been pained if you had not done so, and it will be all right. As for food there will be plenty. I have been quite reckless on the Bishop's behalf. But you must not blame me for my extravagance." "He won't expect a spread," said Luke. "I know. And probably would be quite happy with only bread and cheese. But I love to give him of the best." Her laugh made her husband forget that his news had worried her, and the faint surprise he had experienced disappeared. In the evening as Luke was out Rachel told Polly to bring in all the silver and she would give it an extra rub. "Everything must shine as brightly as possible to-morrow Polly," she said. At nine o'clock there was a ring at the bell, and a man handed in a large basket which Polly brought excitedly into the drawing-room. "It's from Mrs. Greville, Ma'am," she said. Remembering that Luke had said that his mother was sending in something towards the lunch, Rachel had no doubt that the basket contained her gift.