I found myself being led through the crush of people, by an old gentleman, to whom I must have related an extraordinary rigmarole.

He shook his head, saying that I was unintelligible; but the questions he put to me, 'Why had I no hat on in the open street ?--Where did my mother live ?--What was I doing out alone in London ?' were so many incitements to autobiographical composition to an infant mind, and I tumbled out my history afresh each time that he spoke.

He led me into a square, stooping his head to listen all the while; but when I perceived that we had quitted the region of shops I made myself quite intelligible by stopping short and crying: 'I am so hungry.' He nodded and said, 'It 's no use cross-examining an empty stomach.

You'll do me the favour to dine with me, my little man.

We'll talk over your affairs by-and-by.' My alarm at having left the savoury street of shops was not soothed until I found myself sitting at table with him, and a nice young lady, and an old one who wore a cap, and made loud remarks on my garments and everything I did.