Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 140, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1910 — Why an Alias? [ARTICLE]

Why an Alias?

One afternoon, —when the Duke of - Edinburgh and Sir Arthur Sullivan, having finished a duet, were sitting down to a homely “dish of tea” provided by Mrs, Sullivan, the composer’s mother, it suddenly occurred to her to start the subject of family names and titles, which puzzled the good lady considerably. “Sir,” she said, “your family name is Guelph.” “My dear mother,” began Arthur. “But it is, Isn’t it?” she persisted. “Certainly,” replied the duke, much amused. “What’s the matter with it, Mrs. Sullivan?” “Oh, nothing,” returned the excellent old lady musingly. “Only I can’t understand why you don’t call yourself, by your proper name.” Arthur wanted to explain to her, but the duke would not allow him to. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of In the name of Guelph, Mrs. Sullivan,” he said gravely. 2 ("I “That’s exactly what I say,” persisted Arthur’s mother; "nothing whatever as far as I know, and, that being so, why you should not call yourself by it I can’t understand.” —F. C. Burnand’s “Records and Reminiscences.**