t was all the information I received in return for
my own exposure, which I now considered certain; I determined, however,
to put a good face on the matter, and when we returned to the coach,
again entered into conversation with Mr McDermott, but I found him
particularly guarded in his replies whenever 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.

PART TWO, CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

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