*
Barely had the household adjusted to the arrival of Great-Aunt Cloris than the Marquis himself returned to Buckbury. He promptly announced his intention to host a supper for some of the local gentry, with whom he felt he must reacquaint himself after his long absence from the County.
His guests at Buckbury found themselves happily included in the invitations.
During the next two days the Marquis was not often seen about the house. He rode out in the morning alone and was gone till dusk. Then he was ensconced in his study with various sombre looking gentlemen who arrived at Buckbury with bundles of papers. Or he was meeting with cook, discussing the menu for the forthcoming supper. He made brief visits to Mrs. Dovedale and Great-Aunt Cloris.
He acknowledged Eugenia with courtesy but
