Exhibit 23.10





                         Consent of Director Designee
                         ----------------------------      


February 25,1997


     The undersigned hereby consents, pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, to the references to him as a future director of Cabot
Noble, Inc. in the Joint Proxy Statement - Prospectus included in this
Registration Statement.



                                          Signed: /s/ Malcolm T. Hopkins
                                                 --------------------
                                                 Malcolm T. Hopkins