were Marchioness. I don't see, my
dear, why you should do more good than other people. I hope you'll be
gracious to your old friends, and keep a good house, and give nice
parties. Try and make other people happy. That's the goodness I believe
in. I asked him why you were to be particularly good, and then he
talked a deal more nonsense, which I need not repeat.

"I hear very queer accounts about the Marquis. He behaved himself at
Rudham almost like anybody else, and walked into dinner like a
Christian. They say that he is all alone in Italy, and that he won't
see her. I fancy he was more hurt in that little affair than some
people will allow. Whatever it was, it served him right. Of course I
should be glad to see Lord George come to the throne. I always tell the
truth, my dear, about these things. What is the use of lying. I shall
be very glad to see Lord George a marquis,--and then your Popenjoy will
be Popenjoy.

"You remember the Baroness,--your Baroness. Oh, the Baroness! She
absolutely asked me to let her come to Killancodlem. 'But I hate
disabilities and rights,' said I. She gave me to understand that that
made no difference. Then I was obliged to tell her that I hadn't a bed
left. Any little room would do for her. 'We haven't any little rooms at
Killancodlem,' said I;--and then I left her.

"Good-bye. Mind you are good and take care of yourself; and, whatever
you do, let Popenjoy have a royal godfather."

Then her father came over to see her. At this time Lord George was up
in town, and when her father was announced she felt that there was no
one to help her. If none of the ladies of the family would see her
father she never would be gracious to them again. This was the
turning-point. She could forgive them for the old quarrel. She could
understand that they might have found themselves bound to take their
elder brother's part at first. Then they had quarrelled with her, too.
Now they had received her back into their favour. But she would have
none of their favours, unless they would take her father with her.

She was sitting at the time in that odious arm-chair in the old lady's
room; and when Mrs. Toff brought in word that the Dean was in the
little drawing-room, Lady Susanna was also present. Mary jumped up
immediately, and knew that she was blushing. "Oh! I must go down to
papa," she said. And away she went.

The Dean was in one of his best humours, and was full of Brotherton
news. Mr. Groschut had been