had very much his own way.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE MARQUIS MIGRATES TO LONDON.

Soon after Mr. Stokes' visit there was a great disturbance at Manor
Cross, whether caused or not by that event no one was able to say. The
Marquis and all the family were about to proceed to London. The news
first reached Cross Hall through Mrs. Toff, who still kept up friendly
relations with a portion of the English establishment at the great
house. There probably was no idea of maintaining a secret on the
subject. The Marquis and his wife, with Lord Popenjoy and the servants,
could not have had themselves carried up to town without the knowledge
of all Brotherton, nor was there any adequate reason for supposing that
secrecy was desired. Nevertheless Mrs. Toff made a great deal of the
matter, and the ladies at Cross Hall were not without a certain
perturbed interest as though in a mystery. It was first told to Lady
Sarah, for Mrs. Toff was quite aware of the position of things, and
knew that the old Marchioness herself was not to be regarded as being
on their side. "Yes, my Lady, it's quite true," said Mrs. Toff. "The
horses is ordered for next Friday." This was said on the previous
Saturday, so that considerable time was allowed for the elucidation of
the mystery. "And the things is already being packed, and her
Ladyship,--that is, if she is her Ladyship,--is taking every dress and
every rag as she brought with her."

"Where are they going to, Toff?--Not to the Square?" Now the Marquis of
Brotherton had an old family house in Cavendish Square, which, however,
had been shut up for the last ten or fifteen years, but was still known
as the family house by all the adherents of the family.

"No, my Lady. I did hear from one of the servants that they are going
to Scumberg's Hotel, in Albemarle Street."

Then Lady Sarah told the news to her mother. The poor old lady felt
that she was ill-used. She had been at any rate true to her eldest son,
had always taken his part during his absence by scolding her daughters
whenever an allusion was made to the family at Manor Cross, and had
almost worshipped him when he would come to her on Sunday. And now he
was going off to London without saying a word to her of the journey. "I
don't believe that Toff knows anything about it," she said. "Toff is a
nasty, meddling creature, and I wish she had not come here at all." The
management of the Marchioness under these circumstances was very
difficult, but