the identical man.

Our conversation got round to the Forsyths and their part of the
country, and then I said boldly, 'One of the prettiest parts is where
Mrs. Forsyth's sister lives, a Miss Rayner. She lives in an old
farmhouse close to the moor. I spent some of my happiest days with
her.'

He did not start or show any emotion at the name, as I hoped he would;
but he said slowly, after a minute's pause, 'I used to know a Miss
Rayner long ago--Helen Rayner her name was. I suppose it is the same,
as I heard she had settled down there somewhere.'

'She is a very great friend of mine,' I said warmly; 'but I do not
think she will be there much longer now, she talks of giving the place
up. In fact, she is coming up to town to stay with us next week for a
few days, whilst she is meditating an interview with some missionary
society; she wants to go abroad as a missionary. Perhaps, as you are
old friends, Mr. Ratcliffe, you would like to meet her. Won't you come
and dine with us again whilst she is here? Would next Friday suit you?'

I saw Philip glance across at me with slight surprise; but I was too
intent on my own plan to mind, and he at once added his invitation to
mine.

Mr. Ratcliffe hesitated a little, and then asked if he might leave it
an open question for that night, as he hardly knew what his engagements
were. And having gained my point I changed the subject, and Miss
Rayner's name was not mentioned again.

We had a pleasant evening with our guest. And when he had gone Philip
turned to me.

'I need not ask you how you like him,' he said, with an amused sparkle
in his eye; 'I never saw my little wife more determined on making
acquaintance with any of my friends, or of improving the opportunity.
Who else is to be invited to your dinner-party on Friday, may I ask?'

'You mustn't tease me,' I rejoined,' for you don't know my motives.
Come and sit down here, and let me tell you all about it.'

He did not seem as interested in my story as I was, though he laughed
at my 'match-making' propensity, as he called it.

'I recollect now,' he said, 'that he was engaged to some girl at the
time I first knew him. It is strange that it should have been to Miss
Rayner. I remember how glad I was when he told me it was broken off,
for I feared she would be a stumbling-block to him. I should let
matters alone if I were you, little woman. They are very happy now,
both of them. It's too late in the day to alter