what has he to do with you, or you with him?'

I hesitated, then said in a low voice, 'He wanted me to marry him, and
I couldn't!'

'Why not?'

'I--I didn't care enough for him, and we should not have suited each
other. He leads a very gay life.'

'But I suppose he vowed he would give all that up?'

'Yes, he did; but I don't think he would have done so.'

And then, encouraged by a softening in her tone and manner, I told Miss
Rayner all, asking her at the end if she did not think I had acted
rightly.

'Quite right,' she said emphatically; 'but be thankful you were not
head over ears in love with him, for your decision would have cost you
something then.'

She spoke with such intense feeling that I could not help thinking
there must be something behind her words, especially when she continued
in low, earnest tones: 'Better go through life lonely and single, than
tie yourself to a man whose aim and object in life is directly contrary
to yours. There can be only misery for both if you act otherwise. And
cut the connection at once for his sake, more than for your own. It is
only prolonging the agony.'

I did not speak, and then, with a short laugh, Miss Rayner seemed to
recover herself. 'What am I saying? Perhaps some day I may tell you a
chapter in my life, child--but not now. You have not had to go through
such a sharp ordeal as I have. I am afraid there is nothing for it but
a curate for you. Holding your present views, you would find no
pleasure in a man of the world.'

'Surely every one is not bound to have a husband?' I said, half
laughing, half vexed with her light, mocking tone.

'I should say you were sure to have one,' she retorted; 'perhaps your
views will melt away when you come across some one that you really
fancy.'

I shook my head, but dropped the subject, wondering, with a girlish
curiosity, what Miss Rayner's life story was.

CHAPTER X

LONG AGO

'Ah! changeless through the changing vein
The ghostly whisper rings between
The dark refrain of "might have been."'

Circumstances helped to bring about the recital of that story sooner
than I had expected. About ten days later, I started out one afternoon
with Miss Rayner for a ride. I was not on the chestnut mare this time,
but on Rawdon, Miss Rayner's special favourite, and the one she always
rode herself. It was a mark of great favour her allowing me to try him.

It was a pleasant day for a ride, and when we go