“My child, I thought that question had been asked and answered two years ago at Old Lyon Hall.” “So it was, you dear uncle, answered in a way to give me pleasure as well as peace. But the circumstances are different now from what they were then. Then we were in your own familiar neighborhood, among your own old country friends and neighbors, who loved and honored you so much that they would have received with gladness and courtesy any one whom you might choose to present as a member of your family. But here, dear uncle, it is different; we are in a foreign city and among strangers.” “Yes, my child, but among strangers who are hospitable and courteous; and to whom I have brought such letters of introduction as must secure a hearty welcome both to myself and every member of my family. Have no fears or doubts, little Drusa. You who are blameless must not be ‘sent to Coventry’ as if you were faulty.” Drusilla sighed and continued: “Uncle, there is another circumstance that complicates the case very much.” “Well, my dear, and what is it?” “At home I was known as Mrs. Lyon, which was my true name; but here, since Alick has made good his claim to the Scotch barony, I have another name and title,” said Drusilla, so solemnly that the General laid down his fork and laughed heartily as he answered: “And so, my dear, you want us to introduce you as Lady Killcrichtoun!” “Oh, no, _no_, NO!” exclaimed Drusilla, earnestly, “not so! I do not want that! I would not consent to it! Indeed I would not! Anna can tell you that I said so last night!” “And you are right, my child, entirely right; and I commend your good sense in making such a resolution. But where then is your difficulty, my dear?” “Why, just in this—my husband being now Lord Killcrichtoun, would I not, by entering society as Mrs. Lyon, be appearing under false colors; and rather than do that had I not better eschew society altogether?” “No, my dear; a thousand noes to both your questions! You are known to yourself and to your nearest relations and best friends, and to myself who introduce and endorse you, as Mrs. Lyon. And by that name I shall continue to call you and to present you. Who knows you to be Lady Killcrichtoun? or even Alick to be Lord Killcrichtoun? Do you know it? Do I? _Does he himself?_ He calls himself so; but that don’t prove it _is_ so. The newspapers affirm it; but that don’t prove it. The world accepts him as such; but that don’t prove either—at least to us who have always known him only as Mr. Lyon, and haven’t examined the evidences that he is anybody else. Similarly we have known you only as Mrs. Lyon, and shall take you with us everywhere and introduce you as such; at least until Alick himself assures to you your other title.”