It was the fourth day after Mrs Easy's confinement that Mr Easy, who
was sitting by her bedside in an easy chair, commenced as follows: "I
have been thinking, my dear Mrs Easy, about the name I shall give this
child."

"Name, Mr Easy! why, what name should you give it but your own?"

"Not so, my dear," replied Mr Easy; "they call all names proper names,
but I think that mine is not. It is the very worst name in the
calendar."

"Why, what's the matter with it, Mr Easy?"

"The matter affects me as well as the boy. Nicodemus is a long name
to write at full length, and Nick is vulgar. Besides, as there will
be two Nicks, they will naturally call my boy young Nick, and of
course I shall be styled old Nick, which will be diabolical."

"Well, Mr Easy, at all events then let me choose the name."

"That you shall, my dear, and it was with this view that I have
mentioned the subject so early."

"I think, Mr Easy, I will call the boy after my poor father--his name
shall be Robert."

"Very well, my dear, if you wish it, it shall be Robert. You shall
have your own way. But I think, my dear, upon a little consideration,
you will acknowledge that there is a decided objection."