Drusilla and Anna watched him attentively. “Why, my dear child, you are a billionaire! You are probably the wealthiest woman in America!” exclaimed the General, in astonishment. “That is, if there is no mistake!” he added. “Are you sure you are the right heiress?” taking off his spectacles and gazing at Drusilla. “I am quite sure, sir. There are too few of us to afford room for confusion. In my grand-uncle’s generation, there were but two of the family left—himself and his only brother, my grandfather. My grand-uncle, being a woman hater, lived and died a bachelor. My grandfather married, and had one only child—my father: who, in his turn, also married, and had one only child—myself. You see how plain and simple is the line of descent?” “I see,” said the General, reflectively; “but, my dear, it is not sufficient for a set of facts to be true in themselves, they must be capable of being proved to the satisfaction of a court of law. Can all these births, marriages, and deaths be proved, Drusilla?” “Oh, yes sir; there are so few of them—they have occurred within so short a time, comparatively speaking.” “In what manner, my dear? Remember, Drusilla, that what might convince you or me of a fact might not have the same effect upon a court.” “All that I have said, dear sir, can be established to the satisfaction of the most scrupulous court that ever existed by church registers and court records, family Bibles, tombstones, papers, letters, and personal friends.” “I am glad to hear it. And you know where all these proofs can be found?” “Yes, sir. Many of them, Bibles, letters, documents, and so forth, are in my possession. All the others are to be found in Baltimore.” “Where a large portion of your inheritance lies, and where your lawyers live?” “Yes, sir.” “Yes; well, my dear, if all this is as you suppose it to be—and I have no doubt that it is so—your way to fortune is clear enough! Let me congratulate you, my dear, on being, perhaps, the richest woman in America!” said the General, shaking her hands warmly. Anna also heartily added her own congratulations. “And now, my child,” said the General, kindly, “let us attend to this business at once. Your lawyers are naturally displeased and suspicious at your long delay. As you are not very much of a business woman, you will let me take these letters to my study and answer them for you.” “Oh, if you would be so kind, dear sir, I should be so happy.” CHAPTER V. FORTUNE. Fortune is merry, And in this mood will give us anything—SHAKESPEARE. So General Lyon answered the lawyers’ letters, and in a more satisfactory manner, it is to be presumed, than Drusilla had ever done. His illustrious name and exalted position were in themselves enough to dispel any doubts that the mysterious reticence of the heiress might have raised in the minds of her solicitors.