ended
in person. The Dean stood proxy for the one, and Canon Holdenough for
the other.

Mary by this time was able to leave her room, and was urgent with her
husband to take her up to London. Had she not been very good, and done
all that she was told,--except in regard to the porter? And was it not
manifest to everybody that she would be able to travel to St.
Petersburg and back if such a journey were required? Her husband
assured her that she would be knocked up before she got half-way. "But
London isn't a tenth part of the distance," said Mary, with a woman's
logic. Then it was settled that on May 20th she should be taken with
her baby to Munster Court. The following are a few of the letters of
congratulation which she received during the period of her
convalescence.

"GROSVENOR PLACE.

"MY DEAR MARCHIONESS,--Of course I have heard all about you from
time to time, and of course I have been delighted. In the first
place, we none of us could grieve very much for that unfortunate
brother of yours. Really it was so very much better for everybody
that Lord George should have the title and property,--not to talk
of all the advantage which the world expects from a young and
fascinating Lady Brotherton. I am told that the scaffolding is
already up in St. James' Square. I drove through the place the
other day, and bethought myself how long it might be before I
should receive the honour of a card telling me that on such and
such a day the Marchioness of Brotherton would be at home. I
should not suggest such a thing but for a dearly kind expression
in your last letter.

"But the baby of course is the first object. Pray tell me what
sort of a baby it is. Two arms and two legs, I know, for even a
young Lord Popenjoy is not allowed to have more; but of his
special graces you might send me a catalogue, if you have as yet
been allowed pen and paper. I can believe that a good deal of mild
tyranny would go on with those estimable sisters, and that Lord
George would be anxious. I beg his pardon,--the Marquis. Don't you
find this second change in your name very
perplexing,--particularly in regard to your linen? All your nice
wedding things will have become wrong so soon!

"And now I can impart a secret. There are promises of a little
Giblet. Of course it is premature to speak with certainty; but why