unconscious being, thus strangely launched upon the world. When the
priest and witnesses had retired, the strange gentleman informed Mr.
Gray, that, as the lady had been pronounced unfit for travelling for
several days, he was himself about to leave the neighbourhood, but would
return thither in the space of ten days, when he hoped to find his
companion able to leave it.

"And by what name are we to call the child and mother?"

"The infant's name is Richard."

"But it must have some sirname--so must the lady--She cannot reside in
my house, yet be without a name."

"Call them by the name of your town here--Middlemas, I think it is?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, Mrs. Middlemas is the name of the mother, and Richard Middlemas
of the child--and I am Matthew Middlemas, at your service. This," he
continued, "will provide Mrs. Middlemas in every thing she may wish to
possess--or assist her in case of accidents." With that he placed
L100 in Mr. Gray's hand, who rather scrupled receiving it, saying,
"He supposed the lady was qualified to be her own purse-bearer."

"The worst in the world, I assure you, Doctor," replied the stranger.
"If she wished to change that piece of paper, she would scarce know how
many guineas she should receive for it. No, Mr. Gray, I assure you you
will find Mrs. Middleton--Middlemas--what did I call her--as ignorant of
the affairs of this world as any one you have met with in your practice: