However, Hatton dinners and receptions had always been popular when in vogue, and the countryside was well satisfied in their apparent renewal; and as there were two weeks given to prepare for the occasion, it was fairly possible that everyone invited would answer the call personally.  For several reasons John seriously objected to the entertainment, but seeing that opposition would be both offensive and useless, he accepted what he could not decline.

Then he began to look for ways in which good might come from such an occasion.  It would certainly give him an opportunity of trying to unite the cotton-spinners in Hatton district and of systematizing the best manner of helping the already large body of men out of work.  In Hatton Hall he found that it gave his mother a delightful rejuvenation.  She became the busiest and happiest of women amid her preparations, and it brought his wife and Lucy together in a sensible way after he had given up all hope of doing so.  For when Lucy received her invitation she began at once to consider what she must wear at such an important social function.  Harry had but a confused idea, Mrs. Stephen Hatton’s favorite fashions were considerably behind the period, and Mr. Lugur’s advice was after the strictest Methodist rules.

So Lucy waived all rites and ceremonies and called on Mrs. John Hatton for advice.  Jane was alone when the visit was made, and the heaviness and boredom of mid-afternoon was upon her.  Mrs. Harry’s card was a relief.  It would please John very much, she reflected, and so looking in her mirror and finding her dress correct and becoming, she had Lucy brought to her private sitting-room.  She met her sister-in-law with a kindness that astonished herself, and nothing occurred during the visit to make her regret her courtesy.

Lucy’s sweet nature and her utter want of self-consideration won its way, as it always did; and Jane was astonished at her youthful freshness and her great beauty.  They shook hands and smiled pleasantly, and then Lucy apologized for her initiative call and Jane waxed ashamed of her cold, aloof attitude.  She felt that she had lost something irrevocably by her neglect of domestic duties so obvious and so generally observed.  “I did not think you were really settled yet,” she explained, “and it was so kind of you to call first.”

“I am afraid it is rather a selfish call, Mrs. Hatton.”

“Oh, you must not call me Mrs. Hatton.  There are three of us, you know; though it is likely that our mother-in-law assumes the title, and you are Mrs. Harry and I am Mrs. John.  It would be quite in sympathy with her way, and her manner of thinking.  So call me Jane, and I will call you Lucy.  John always speaks of you as Lucy.”

“John gave me a sister’s place from the first.  John does not know how to be unkind.  I came, Jane, to ask you how I must dress for the Hatton dinner.  I could make nothing of Harry’s advice.”