been, Miss Rayner?' I asked, laughing.

'I abominate the tribe, as you know, but, as far as I am concerned,
this Mr. Stanton may not be much better. Who is he, and what is he?
He is an unknown quantity to me!'

'He is a Christian and a gentleman,' I said warmly 'and one of Hugh's
literary friends.'

'A dreamy book-worm like Hugh? That does not commend him to me; I
should wish you something better. Now don't try to crush me with that
fiery look. How do I know what he is like? I only know that you must
have had very short acquaintance with him, and you could afford to
wait. You are quite a child still.'

'Shall I call him and introduce him to you? He is in the house,' I
asked very quietly, for I knew Miss Rayner was only trying to draw me
out.

'Not just yet; my call is on you this afternoon. Are you feeling
strong again? How that attack has pulled you down! Are they feeding
you up well?'

'Yes, I am getting well fast.'

She sat down and talked to me for some time, and then allowed me to go
and fetch Philip.

I need not have been afraid of the result, though I had prepared him
for her extremely blunt way of speaking.

As she shook hands with him, she said,--

'I have come over to see what you are like. I take an interest in this
child here, and I was not best pleased at the news. I hope you mean to
be good to her. Are you sure you are suited to each other?'

Philip was not in the slightest disconcerted by this speech, only a
gleam of humour was in his eye as he replied, 'That remains to be seen.
Of course we think we are at present, but that is always the case. I
think you will allow I am strong enough to protect her, and old enough
to know my own mind. I doubt if I am good enough for her, but I am
going to try to do my best.'

Miss Rayner was silent for a minute.

He added, 'I am really glad to meet with any one who takes an interest
in Hilda. Her friends seem to be few and far between. She has spoken
to me of you, and of how much she enjoyed her visit to you.'

And then they drifted into an easy, amicable conversation one with the
other, whilst I for the most part was silent, only putting in a word
now and then. Afterwards Mrs. Forsyth came in, and then Miss Rayner
did not stay much longer. I had one word alone with her in the hall.

'I see by your anxious eyes what you want to ask,' she said
good-naturedly, pinching my cheek as she spoke. 'I am slow to make
friends, but he looks