Chapter 19 OLD FRIENDS

'One in heart, in interest and design,

Gird up each other to the race divine.'-Cowper.

'Hilda, I have an old friend coming to dine with us to-night. I came across him in town to-day; you are sure to like him, he is a general favourite wherever he goes.'

'What is his name?'

'Ratcliffe-Charles Ratcliffe. I have known him a long time, befo