A Woman's Burden by Fergus Hume

As a rule Mrs. Darrow was not very hospitable -- unless there was something to be gained from the exercise of such hospitality. She revelled in the afternoon tea, because it cost little -- a few spoonfuls of "Lipton" and some slices of thin bread and butter -- and afforded ample opportunity for that small talk, which was the essence of her life, since it enabled her to keep _au fait_ with her neighbours' delinquencies. She had been known to go so far as a hot luncheon for certain high and mighty people whom it suited her book to conciliate; but never by any chance had she been known to give a dinner. Now -- for some weighty reason, known only to herself -- she had actually requested no less than five people to rally round her in the stuffy little dining-room of Pine Cottage -- Major Dundas, Mr. Arkel, and Uncle Barton, to pair with Miriam, Hilda, and herself.

When Mr. Barton was informed of this festivity, he not only point-blank refused to go himself, but he positively forbade his nephews, who were staying at the Manor House, to represent him.