are able to perform. What will his wife do for
the people here? Why are we not to say our prayers in the Church which
we all know and love? Why are we to leave Alice--and Mary? Why should
he, because he is the eldest of us,--he, who for so many years has
deserted the place,--why is he to tell us where to live, and where not
to live. He is rich, and we are poor, but we have never been pensioners
on his bounty. The park, I suppose, is now closed to us; but I am
prepared to live here in defiance of him." This she said walking up and
down the room as she spoke, and she said it with so much energy that
she absolutely carried her sisters with her and again partly convinced
her mother.

CHAPTER XXII.

THE MARQUIS AMONG HIS FRIENDS.

There was, of course, much perturbation of mind at Brotherton as to
what should be done on this occasion of the Marquis's return. Mr. Knox
had been consulted by persons in the town, and had given it as his
opinion that nothing should be done. Some of the tradesmen and a few of
the tenants living nearest to the town had suggested a triumphal
entry,--green boughs, a bonfire, and fire works. This idea, however,
did not prevail long. The Marquis of Brotherton was clearly not a man
to be received with green boughs and bonfires. All that soon died away.
But there remained what may be called the private difficulty. Many in
Brotherton and around Brotherton had of course known the man when he
was young, and could hardly bring themselves to take no notice of his
return. One or two drove over and simply left their cards. The bishop
asked to see him, and was told that he was out. Dr. Pountner did see
him, catching him at his own hall door, but the interview was very
short, and not particularly pleasant. "Dr. Pountner. Well; I do
remember you, certainly. But we have all grown older, you know."

"I came," said the doctor, with a face redder than ever, "to pay my
respects to your Lordship, and to leave my card on your wife."

"We are much obliged to you,--very much obliged. Unfortunately we are
both invalids." Then the doctor, who had not got out of his carriage,
was driven home again. The doctor had been a great many years at
Brotherton, and had known the old Marquis well. "I don't know what you
and Holdenough will make of him," the doctor said to the Dean. "I
suppose you will both be driven into some communion with him. I shan't
try it again."

The Dean and Canon Holdenough had been in consultati