A citizen of Philadelphia, William Stangerson had been obliged to become naturalised in obedience to family exigencies at the time of his marriage with a French lady, she who was to be the mother of the illustrious Stangerson.

In that way the professor's French nationality is accounted for.
Twenty years of age, a charming blonde, with blue eyes, milk-white complexion, and radiant with divine health, Mathilde Stangerson was one of the most beautiful marriageable girls in either the old or the new world.

It was her father's duty, in spite of the inevitable pain which a separation from her would cause him, to think of her marriage; and he was fully prepared for it.

Nevertheless, he buried himself and his child at the Glandier at the moment when his friends were expecting him to bring her out into society.

Some of them expressed their astonishment, and to their questions he answered: "It is my daughter's wish.