Norrell is surprised, for a moment, by Childermass' words -- eyebrows lofting at the statement. Dinner, with Vrinak? Yet of course, it is a good idea. Yet Childermass assures him Vrinak will accept if he offers, and that is something of a solace -- that Norrell himself is still to make the offer and that he will not lose face in doing so.

"A dinner," Norrell echoes, showing uncertainty despite this. "And it will be... a small gathering, or just us?"

No extravagant party? No distasteful people to avoid? Childermass knows how he feels about such things, after all.