CHAPTER XIV.

WATER-PARTY

Every year Mr Crich gave a more or less public water-party on the lake. There was a little pleasure-launch on Willey Water and several rowing boats, and guests could take tea either in the marquee that was set up in the grounds of the house, or they could picnic in the shade of the great walnut tree at the boat-house by the lake. This year the staff of the Grammar-School was invited, along with the chief officials of the firm. Gerald and the younger Criches did not care for this party, but it had become customary now, and it pleased the father, as being the only occasion when he could gather some people of the district together in festivity with him. For he loved to give pleasures to his dependents and to those poorer than himself. But his children preferred the company of their own equals in wealth. They hated their inferiors' humility or gratitude or awkwardness.

Nevertheless they were willing to attend at this festival, as they had done almost since they were children, the more so, as they all felt a little guilty now, and unwilling to thwart their father any more, since he was so ill in health. Therefore, quite cheerfully Laura prepared to take her mother's place as hostess, and Gerald assumed responsibility for the amusements on the water.

Birkin had written to Ursula saying he expected to see her at the party, and Gudrun, although she scorned the patronage of the Criches, would nevertheless accompany her mother and father if the weather were fine.

1. who was invited to Mr Crich's party this year?
2. would his children be attending as well?
3. who else was invited?
4. was Mr Crich in good health?
5. did the children really want to attend?
6. what didn't they like?
7. who would be the hostess?
8. and what was Gerald responsible for?
9. how often would this party take place?
10. where?
11. where could guests choose to picnic?
12. who did the children prefer the company of?
13. who did Birken write to?
14. what was he expecting?
15. who else would be there?
16. would there be tea at the party?
17. is there a boat house on the property?
18. where could guests drink tea?
19. where is that?
20. what did Mr. Crich love?

Provide a numbered list of answers.
1. the staff of the Grammar-School
2. Yes
3. the chief officials of the firm
4. No
5. No
6. their inferiors' humility
7. Laura
8. the amusements on the water.
9. Every year
10. on the lake
11. in the shade of the great walnut tree
12. their own equals in wealth.
13. Ursula
14. to see her at the party,
15. Gudrun
16. Yes
17. Yes
18. in the marquee
19. in the grounds of the house,
20. to give pleasures to his dependents