A number of missionaries came in and they were introduced.

Lucy beamed with delight, her father unreservedly told the young men they were from America,--and western America at that; but Uncle Gilbert was not quite at his ease among the new company.

He knew, of course, that these people were "Mormons," and his knowledge of "Mormons" and their ways, although somewhat vague, was not reassuring.
When the good-natured English housekeeper announced that supper was ready, it seemed impossible to do otherwise than to follow her and Elder Malby down to the large basement room.

In fact, Lucy, without any ifs or ands took her father's arm and led him along.

Uncle Gilbert thought he had never seen her in such a bold frame of mind.
Certainly, Chester, Elder Malby, and the housekeeper must have plotted to bring about that little supper party.