out for a substitute. 

 Now a common-place person would have been satisfied with the recommendation of the medical man, who looks but to the one thing needful, which is a sufficient and wholesome supply of nourishment for the child; but Mr Easy was a philosopher, and had latterly taken to craniology, and he descanted very learnedly with the Doctor upon the effect of his only son obtaining his nutriment from an unknown source. "Who knows," observed Mr Easy, "but that my son may not imbibe with his milk the very worst passions of human nature." 

 "I have examined her," replied the Doctor, "and can safely recommend her." 

 "That examination is only preliminary to one more important," replied Mr Easy.  "I must examine her." 

 "Examine who, Mr Easy?" exclaimed his wife, who had lain down again on the bed. 

 "The nurse, my dear." 

 "Examine what, Mr Easy?" continued the lady. 

 "Her head, my dear," replied the husband.  "I must ascertain what her propensities are." 

 "I think you had better leave her alone, Mr Easy. She comes this evening, and I shall question her pretty severely. Doctor Middleton, what do you know of this young person?" 

 "I know, madam, that she is very healthy and strong, or I should not have selected her." 

 "But is her character good?" 

 "Really, madam, I know little about her character; but you can make any inquiries you please. But at the same time I ought to observe, that if you are too particular in that point, you will have some difficulty in providing yourself." 

 "Well, I shall see," replied Mrs Easy. "And I shall feel," rejoined the husband. 

 This parleying was interrupted by the arrival of the very person in question, who was announced by the housemaid, and was ushered in. She was a handsome, florid, healthy-looking girl, awkward and naive in her manner, and apparently not over wise; there was more of the dove than of the serpent in her composition. 

 Mr Easy, who was very anxious to 

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