It Cannot Be On the following morning at breakfast each of the three gentlemen at the Great House received a little note on pink paper, nominally from Mrs Dale, asking them to drink tea at the Small House on that day week.

At the bottom of the note which Lily had written for Mr Crosbie was added: "Dancing on the lawn, if we can get anybody to stand up.
Of course you must come, whether you like it or not.

And Bernard also.

Do your possible to talk my uncle into coming." And this note did something towards re-creating good-humour among them at the breakfast-table.

It was shown to the squire, and at last he was brought to say that he would perhaps go to Mrs Dale's little evening-party.
It may be well to explain that this promised entertainment had been originated with no special view to the pleasure of Mr Crosbie, but altogether on behalf of poor Johnny Eames.