How nice it would be to select one's own after one had arrived at years of discretion, or to adopt different ones according to the country one chanced to be visiting! I am going to do it; it is unusual, but there must be a pioneer in every good movement.

Let me think: do help me, Salemina! I am a Hamilton to begin with; I might be descended from the logical Sir William himself, and thus become the idol of the university set!" "He died only about thirty years ago, and you would have to be his daughter: that would never do," said Salemina.

"Why don't you take Thomas Hamilton, Earl of Melrose and Haddington?
He was Secretary of State, King's Advocate, Lord President of the Court of Session, and all sorts of fine things.

He was the one King James used to call 'Tam o' the Cowgate'!" "Perfectly delightful! I don't care so much about his other titles, but 'Tam o' the Cowgate' is irresistible.

I will take him.