Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/170

162 W. (with much reluctance approaching the doctor, whispers in the lowest possible tone of voice): "Delphine Segard."

D. (with intense disgust) : "Then why couldn't you say so!"

Mr. Collens remarks : "My medical friend now bears these little passages with more equanimity, for he has gained experience, and knows that the reason why the woman was so reluctant to utter her name aloud was that she believed she had an enemy in the room who would take advantage of the circumstance if she got hold of her true name, and would work her all manner of harm. It is a fact that these people (the negro population of Trinidad) sometimes actually forgot the names of their near relations from hearing and using them so little."

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN.