to the fact of there always being a fox in Cross Hall Holt, which a
certain little wood was called about half a mile of the house, no one
even doubted that. But there had always been a prejudice against Price
at the great house, and in this even Lord George had coincided. But
when Mr. Knox went to him and explained to him what was about to
happen,--that the ladies would be forced, almost before the end of
winter, to leave Manor Cross and make way for the Marquis, Mr. Price
declared that he would clear out, bag and baggage, top-boots, spurs,
and brandy-bottles, at a moment's notice. The Prices of the English
world are not, as a rule, deficient in respect for the marquises and
marchionesses. "The workmen can come in to-morrow," Price said, when he
was told that some preparations would be necessary. "A bachelor can
shake down anywhere, Mr. Knox." Now it happened that Cross Hall House
was altogether distinct from the Cross Hall Farm, on which, indeed,
there had been a separate farmhouse, now only used by labourers. But
Mr. Price was a comfortable man, and, when the house had been vacant,
had been able to afford himself the luxury of living there.

So far the primary difficulties lessened themselves when they were well
looked in the face. And yet things did not run altogether smoothly. The
Marquis did not condescend to reply to his brother's letter; but he
wrote what was for him a long letter to Mr. Knox, urging upon the agent
the duty of turning his mother and sisters altogether out of the place.
"We shall be a great deal better friends apart," he said. "If they
remain there we shall see little or nothing of each other, and it will
be very uncomfortable. If they will settle themselves elsewhere, I will
furnish a house for them; but I don't want to have them at my elbow."
Mr. Knox was of course bound to show this to Lord George, and Lord
George was bound to consult Lady Sarah. Lady Sarah told her mother
something of it, but not all; but she told it in such a way that the
old lady consented to remain and to brave her eldest son. As for Lady
Sarah herself, in spite of her true Christianity and real goodness, she
did not altogether dislike the fight. Her brother was her brother, and
the head of the family, and he had his privileges; but they too had
their rights, and she was not disposed to submit herself to tyranny.
Mr. Knox was therefore obliged to inform the Marquis in what softest
language he could find applicable for the pu