Mrs. Lapham worries about how she will answer the invitation, how she will dress, and, most important, how her family will find something to talk about. Silas decides he must buy his first dress coat and debates over the need for gloves. Penelope refuses to go, believing it is a recognition dinner for Irene. She cries after they leave, revealing her disappointment in her inability to be attractive like Irene. She also feels badly because, as it is later revealed, she is attracted to Tom.
Analysis
Ironically, this insignificant dinner will be one of the most crucial events in the novel. Its effect on Silas’ social position will be seen in the next chapter. Mrs. Lapham predicts the impending disaster when she worries over what they will talk about. Peneldpe’s absence and her sobs as they leave are significant, for the dinner will begin a chain of events that will lead to Tom Corey’s declaration of love for her. Tom will see the Lapham’s need for help in their social position; he will confess his love in order to aid the Laphams in finding a place in society.
