Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/128

Rh it's on Mrs. Farrar's. I feel so sorry for her. Jane Chichester says she suffers terribly from what people say about her husband. Jane went to see her, you know, and tried to comfort her."

"I think I'd rather have one of Job's comforters than to have Jane if I were in distress."

"I know she's a dreadful gossip. But she means well; and she does an immense amount of church work. I think I'll invite Jane. She ought to be perfectly acceptable to both Mr. and Mrs. Farrar. And the Chichesters are one of the oldest and best families in the city."

"Very well, mother. I'm satisfied. Who else?"

"Of course Phil and his mother. That goes without saying. Jane says that Phil actually prevented a fight the night of the vestry meeting."

"Oh, mother! That's nonsense! Nobody thought of fighting. Phil told me all about it after the exaggerated and ridiculous story had spread all over the city. But Phil is a natural peacemaker, and while he doesn't agree with Mr. Farrar, I'm sure he is on friendly terms with him."

"Well, why not invite Judge and Mrs. Bosworth? I understand the judge's attitude toward Mr. Farrar is about the same as Philip's."

"I think they will do nicely. But now you should have another man."

"That's true! Let me see! I have it; I'll invite Barry!"

"Mother! Barry is so impossible as a dinner guest!"

"Why? He belongs to the wealthiest family in the city. He is of excellent character and has the manners of a gentleman."

"But his brains, mother, his brains!"

"I'll admit that nature was not over lavish to Barry in that respect, but he'll do very well indeed. And besides it will please Jane to have him here."