CHAPTER TWELVE.
A WINDFALL FOR THE CAPTAIN.
The impending birthday festivities at Maxfield were a topic of interest to others than merely the residents at the manor-house.

There, indeed, the prospect was considerably damped by the failing health of Mrs Ingleton and the absence of Rosalind from the scene of action.

The burden of the arrangements fell upon the tutor, who only half relished the duties of _major domo_, and heartily wished the uncomfortable date was past.

Mrs Ingleton, however, ill as she was, was intent on celebrating the occasion in a manner becoming the hospitable traditions of the house of which her son was now the head, and accordingly, a large party of the neighbouring gentry was invited for the occasion.
Among the uninvited guests one individual was anticipating the event with considerable interest.

This was Robert Ratman, Esquire, as he lounged comfortably on a sofa at the "Grand Hotel" in London, and perused a letter which had just reached him by the post.
"I shall have to get you to take another bill in place of the one I gave you, due on the 26th.