Chapter 11 - Page 2

This air of returning home victorious over some undeserved misfortune
and of taking possession of a home to which he had some ancient right,
was the tone given to Harry's settlement at Yoden, and for a long time
he felt compelled to honor it, even after it had become stale and
tedious. For it pleased his mother, and she did many unconsidered things
to encourage it. For instance, she gave a formal dinner at Hatton Hall
to which she invited all the county families and wealthy manufacturers
within her knowledge. A dinner at Hatton Hall was a rare social ceremony
and had not been observed since the death of the late Master of Hatton.
But Stephen Hatton had been a member of Parliament, and chairman of many
clubs and associations, and it belonged to his public position to give
dinners to his supporters.

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