"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!