Emily made lists and calculations, she worked out plans and made purchases.

She interviewed the village matrons who made the cake and buns, and boiled the tea in bags in a copper; she found the women who could be engaged to assist in cutting cake and bread-and-butter and helping to serve it; she ordered the putting up of tents and forms and tables; the innumerable things to be remembered she called to mind.
"Really, Emily," said Lady Maria, "I don't know how I have done this thing for forty years without you.

I must always have you at Mallowe for the treat." Emily was of the genial nature which rejoices upon even small occasions, and is invariably stimulated to pleasure by the festivities of others.
The festal atmosphere was a delight to her.

In her numberless errands to the village, the sight of the excitement in the faces of the children she passed on her way to this cottage and that filled her eyes with friendly glee and wreathed her face with smiles.

When she went into the cottage where the cake was being baked, children hovered about in groups and nudged each other, giggling.