"No, no," replied Mrs Easy, who was ill, and unable to contend any
longer, "I give it up, Mr Easy. I know how it will be, as it always
is: you give me my own way as people give pieces of gold to children,
it's their own money, but they must not spend it. Pray call him
John."

"There, my dear, did not I tell you you would be of my opinion upon
reflection? I knew you would. I have given you your own way, and you
tell me to call him John; so now we're both of the same mind, and that
point is settled."

"I should like to go to sleep, Mr Easy; I feel far from well."

"You shall always do just as you like, my dear," replied the husband,
"and have your own way in everything. It is the greatest pleasure I
have when I yield to your wishes. I will walk in the garden.
Good-bye, my dear."

Mrs Easy made no reply, and the philosopher quitted the room. As may
easily be imagined, on the following day the boy was christened John.


CHAPTER III

In which our hero has to wait the issue of an argument.

The reader may observe that, in general, all my first chapters are
very short, and increase in length as the work advances. I mention
this as a proof of my modesty and diffidence. At first, I am like a