enever I spoke about Sir Henry or
his family, and I could not obtain any further information. Mr Cophagus
could not keep his eyes off me--he peered into my face--then he would
fall back in the coach. "Odd--very odd--must be--no--says not--um." In
about another half hour, he would repeat his examination, and mutter to
himself. At last, as if tormented with his doubts, he exclaimed, "Beg
pardon--but--you have a name?"

"Yes," replied I, "I have a name."

"Well, then--not ashamed. What is it?"

"My name, sir," replied I, "is Newland;" for I had resolved to
acknowledge to my name, and fall back upon a new line of defence.

"Thought so--don't know me--don't recollect shop--Mr
Brookes's--Tim--rudiments--and so on."

"I have not the least objection to tell you my name; but I am afraid you
have the advantage in your recollection of me. Where may I have had the
honour of meeting you?"

"Meeting--what, quite forgot--Smithfield?"

"And pray, sir, where may Smithfield be?"

"Very odd--can't comprehend--same name, same face--don't recollect me,
don't recollect Smithfield?"

"It may be very odd, sir; but, as I am very well known in London, at the
west end, perhaps we have met there. Lord Windermear's perhaps--Lady
Maelstrom's?"--and I continued mentioning about a dozen of the most
fashionable names. "At all events, you appear to have the advantage of
me; but I trust you will excuse my want of memory, as my acquaintance is
very extensive."

"I see--quite a mistake--same name, not same person--beg pardon,
sir--apologies--and so on," replied the apothecary, drawing in a long
sigh.

Chapter XLI

I turn lawyer.

I watched the countenance of the agent, who appeared at last to be
satisfied that there had been some mistake; at least he became more
communicative, and as I no longer put any questions to him relative to
Sir Henry, we had a long conversation. I spoke to him about the De
Benyons, making every inquiry that I could think of. He informed me that
the deceased earl, the father of the present, had many sons, who were
some of them married, and that the family was extensive. He appeared to
know them all, the professions which they had been brought up to, and
their careers in life. I treasured up his information, and, as soon as I
had an opportunity, wrote down all which he had told me. On our arrival
at Holyhead, the weather was very boisterous, and the packet was to
depart immediately. Mr M'Dermott stated