Anna wrote back on behalf of her grandfather and herself, saying that she could not make a visit to a house where there was no lady to receive her, and she begged that Alexander would come for once and pass his Christmas at Old Lyon Hall.
Of course Mr. Lyon could do nothing but accept this invitation.
And he dutifully went to pass the season with his promised bride.
And these were the most dismal Christmas holidays he had ever known. He missed his genial father, his loving mother, and yes, it must be confessed, he missed his “child,” and he could not help contrasting the warm devotion of his little “daughter” with the cool indifference of his promised wife.
His visit to Old Lyon Hall came to a sudden end. He received a letter from one of the servants of the city house.
Mrs. Sterling had died suddenly, if he pleased, and what was to be done with Miss Drusilla?
Mr. Lyon showed that letter to Anna, made his excuses to the general, and set off at once for Richmond.
CHAPTER X.
WHAT WAS DONE WITH DRUSILLA.
Master, go on, and I will follow thee
To the last gasp with truth and loyalty—Shakspeare.