What was to be done in that matter?
This question had been fully discussed between Mrs Dale and Bell, and they had come to the conclusion that it would best to ask Johnny over to a little friendly gathering, in which he might be able to meet Lily with some strangers around them.

In this way his embarrassment might be overcome.

It would never do, as Mrs Dale said, that he should be suffered to stay away, unnoticed by them.

"When the ice is once broken he won't mind it," said Bell.

And, therefore, early in the day, a messenger was sent over to Guestwick, who returned with a note from Mrs Eames, saying that she would come on the evening in question, with her son and daughter.