And amid the customary prayers, promises, and benedictions, the child received the time-honored name of Leonard Lyon.
On their way home, the whole party congratulated each other with much affection and cheerfulness.
But withal, Dick, riding along slowly by the side of the carriage, was visited with some very serious reflections. He felt the great moral and religious responsibility of the office he had undertaken. And thus he communed with himself:
“General Lyon is aged and cannot be expected to live very much longer. Anna is a woman. On me must devolve the duty of looking after that boy. Good Heavens. However did they come to think of making such a good for nothing dog as I am godfather to that innocent baby? It is enough to make my hair stand on end to think of it. The fact is, I must strike a light and look about myself. I must, I positively must and will, thoroughly mend my ways and reform my life! not only for Anna’s sake—who knows me already, and takes me for better for worse with her eyes wide open—but for this innocent babe’s sake, upon whom, without his knowledge or consent, they have thrust me for a godfather! No more gambling, no more drinking, no more carousing with scamps, and squandering of money, Dick, my boy! Remember that you are godfather to Master Leonard Lyon, and responsible for his moral and religious education. And you must be equal to the occasion and true to the trust.”
So profound were Dick’s cogitations that he found himself at Old Lyon Hall before he was conscious of the fact.
He sprang from his horse in time to assist the old gentleman and the young ladies to alight.
And they all entered the house, where Drusilla was greeted by a pleasant surprise.
CHAPTER III.
SURPRISES.
Were her eyes open? Yes, and her mouth, too;
Surprise has this effect to make one dumb,