that they might look up at the work which was being done. While
they were there, suddenly an open carriage, with a postilion, came upon
them unawares, and they had to retreat out of the way. As they did so
they perceived that Lord Brotherton was in the carriage, enveloped in
furs, and that a lady, more closely enveloped even than himself, was by
his side. It was evident to them that he had recognised them. Indeed he
had been in the act of raising his hand to greet his brother when he
saw the Dean. They both bowed to him, while the Dean, who had the
readier mind, raised his hat to the lady. But the Marquis steadily
ignored them. "That's your sister-in-law," said the Dean.

"Perhaps so."

"There is no other lady here with whom he could be driving. I am pretty
sure that it is the first time that either of them have been in
Brotherton."

"I wonder whether he saw us."

"Of course he saw us. He cut me from fixed purpose, and you because I
was with you. I shall not disturb him by any further recognition." Then
they went on about their business, and in the afternoon, when the Dean
had thrown his few words together, Lord George rode back to Cross Hall.
"Let the letter be sent at once,--but date it from London." These were
the last words the Dean said to him.

It was the Marquis and his wife. All Brotherton heard the news. She had
absolutely called at a certain shop and the Marquis had condescended to
be her interpreter. All Brotherton was now sure that there was a new
Marchioness, a fact as to which a great part of Brotherton had hitherto
entertained doubts. And it seemed that this act of condescension in
stopping at a Brotherton shop was so much appreciated that all the
former faults of the Marquis were to be condoned on that account. If
only Popenjoy could be taken to a Brotherton pastrycook, and be got to
eat a Brotherton bun, the Marquis would become the most popular man in
the neighbourhood, and the undoubted progenitor of a long line of
Marquises to come. A little kindness after continued cruelty will
always win a dog's heart;--some say, also a woman's. It certainly
seemed to be the way to win Brotherton.

CHAPTER XXV.

LADY SUSANNA IN LONDON.

In spite of the caution which he had received from his friend and
cousin Mrs. Houghton, Jack De Baron did go to Munster Court during the
absence of Lord George, and there did encounter Lady Susanna. And Mrs.
Houghton herself, though she had given such excellent adv