A grave and elderly person, according to old John MacKinlay's
account, while travelling in the wilder parts of Galloway, was
benighted.  With difficulty he found his way to a country seat,
where, with the hospitality of the time and country, he was
readily admitted.  The owner of the house, a gentleman of good
fortune, was much struck by the reverend appearance of his guest,
and apologised to him for a certain degree of confusion which must
unavoidably attend his reception, and could not escape his eye.
The lady of the house was, he said, confined to her apartment, and
on the point of making her husband a father for the first time,
though they had been ten years married.  At such an emergency, the
laird said, he feared his guest might meet with some apparent
neglect. 

'Not so, sir,' said the stranger; 'my wants are few, and easily
supplied, and I trust the present circumstances may even afford an
opportunity of showing my gratitude for your hospitality.  Let me
only request that I may be informed of the exact minute of the
birth; and I hope to be able to put you in possession of some