AN ARISTOCRATIC WAIF.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1265, 28 May 1896, Page 17

AN ARISTOCRATIC WAIF.

Iu the babies’ ward at Bellovuo Hospital is an eight-day-old fouudling, dressed in satin and fine lace, cradled in a fur-lined market-basket and cooing itself to sleep over a big bottle of milk. It was discovered by Roundsman Edward J. Bourke, of tho Mercer street I'olico Station, Friday evening in the hallway of a than deserted office building, No. IS, East Fourteenth street.

Tho waif was taken to Bellovuo Hospital, whore it was declared to be as healthy an infant as had ever been brought there. Superintendent Blake, of tho outdoor poor, in his official capacity, named the little outcast “ Philip Martin,” in honour of tho Assistant Registrar, who took down tho infant’s meagre history. Roundsman Boutko says ho was walking leisurely along Fourteenth street trying doors. In front of No. IS he saw that the doors of tho main entrance were open. There was a market basket near tho door. Ho stooped down to examine its contents.

As lie did so tho officer hoard a faint crowing. Lifting tho satin coverlet, he saw the pink face of a slumbering babe. It was crewing over a bottle half filled with milk. A long gown of embroidered satin and rich lace underwear clothed the mite’s form. Packed about tho sides and ends of tho basket were all the effects that a baby would need for at least a year’s journey in the world. There was evidence of tho erring mother’s love. Tho wardrobo consisted of four white satin squares, three flannel skirts, half a dozen suits of underclothing, six shirts and as many pairs of crocheted booties, together with other baby toilet articles. The roundsman picked up the basket and carried it to the station-house. Patrolman James H. Martin took the baby to Bellevue. It was put in the nursery ward with other foundlings. “ Philip ” was in prime health yesterday. He will bo sent to Randell’s Island Nursery to-morrow. —N.Y. World.