A very false and spiteful conclusion this, as the beautiful Anna was not yet twenty-three years old. Some even had the ill-luck to inquire of the General, or of Anna, or Dick: “Where is Mr. Alexander Lyon now?” But the quiet answer was always the same: “In Washington, attending to the sale of some real estate there.” And the conversation would be quickly turned. With the exception of these annoying questions, implied or directly asked, and which General Lyon knew must be sooner or later met and answered, and which he felt had best be settled at once, the party passed off as pleasantly as any of its predecessors had done. On this occasion at least there was no failure upon account of the weather. There never was a finer starlight winter night to invite people _out_. Nor was there any tampering with the lamps of the long drawing-room; there never was seen a more brilliantly lighted and warmed saloon to entice people _in_. The music was inspiring; the dancing was animated, the supper excellent. The festivities were kept up all night. And did Drusilla enjoy the party? Of course she did. Why not? She could _love_ forever, but she could not _grieve_ forever. She was experiencing a delightful reaction from her long depression of spirits. She was young and beautiful, and formed to give and receive pleasure amid these Christmas festivities. In a rich white moire antique dress, delicately trimmed with black lace and black jet, she looked exquisitely pretty. To please her friends and also a little to please herself she danced—first with General Lyon, who led her to the head of a set to open the ball; then with Dick, and afterwards with any others whom her uncle introduced to her. And all who made her acquaintance were charmed with the beauty and sweetness of the lovely, childlike creature. A refreshing breakfast was served at seven o’clock; after which, the guests, well pleased, took leave and departed by the light of the rising sun. Early in the new year, “mammy,” well paid for her faithful services and loaded with tokens of her patient’s good-will, took leave of the family and of her fellow servants and left Old Lyon Hall to return to her own home in Alexandria. She was attended by Leo, who was commissioned to bring down Pina and the birds, the dog, the cat, and the kittens; for to mammy’s perfect content, the brother and sister were again to enter together the service of Mrs. Lyon.