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.
Having sent his letter off to the post-office, and knowing that several days must elapse before he could hear from the solicitors again, the old gentleman dismissed the matter from his mind, and addressed himself to the enjoyment of the Christmas festival now at hand.
Dick arrived from Richmond on Christmas Eve, having in charge several large boxes containing the Christmas presents.
Among them were the crib, the perambulator and the hobby horse, which were all deposited for the present in the room selected and fitted up by Anna, as the future play-room of little Master Leonard Lyon.
Anna’s and Drusilla’s presents consisted of rich and costly furs and shawls, from the General; and splendid jewels and delicate laces from Dick.
The veteran’s gifts were a pair of soft, embroidered velvet slippers and smoking-cap, from Anna; a warm quilted dressing-gown from Drusilla; and a new patent reading-chair of unequalled ingenuity, comfort and convenience, from Dick.
Dick’s presents were a fowling-piece of the most superior workmanship, from his uncle; an embroidered cigar case from his betrothed; and a smoking-cap from Drusilla.