“To this: It is too late for your name as Squire of Haymore to appear in this year’s edition of the ‘Landed Gentry’; the volume is probably already issued. But before long the Herald College will be getting up next year’s edition, and you will receive letters or messengers inquiring for authentic statistics concerning your succession, marriage and so on.”
“Well, they can have them,” said Ran indifferently.
“Yes, but I am afraid there will be some awkwardness for you on one point.”
“Which point?”
“That of your marriage.”
“How should that be?”
“Why, in this way—listen. The items of entry in your case will be something like this:
“‘Hay, Randolph; born July 15, 184—; succeeded his grandfather as tenth squire, March 1, 186—,’ (for you know that your succession will date from the day of his death); ‘married December 2, 186—, Judith, daughter of ——’ Whom? There’s where the awkwardness would come in.”
“I would say simply—Judith Man,” replied Ran Hay.
“Very well—Judith Man, daughter of—whom? The Herald’s College are very precise in these matters. You will have to find a father for her.”