the house. You must wait."

"Oh, I don't mind if you don't. Who is the invalid? Young Croesus?"

"Yes--dangerously ill. I expect every day to hear that it is all over."

Ratman laughed.

"Order two suits of black while you're about it. But, Teddy, my boy,
doesn't it strike you you'd be more usefully employed down there than
here? It seems unfeeling of a guardian to be enjoying himself in town
while his ward is _in extremis_ at home, doesn't it? Who is nursing
him?"

"My daughter, chiefly."

Ratman laughed coarsely.

"Ho, ho, clever Teddy! You've left a deputy to look after your
interests, have you? Poor boy--no wonder you expect news of him!"

Captain Oliphant, crimson and trembling, rose to his feet.

"Ratman!" muttered he between his teeth, "I may be all you take me for--
but don't talk of my daughter. She--she,"--and he almost choked at the
word--"she is as good as I--and you--are black. Talk about me if you
like--but forget that I have children of my own."

"My dear boy, you are quite amusing. I will make a point of forgetting
the interesting fact. So the boy is being well looked after?"

"Too well," replied the captain, pulling himself together after his last
outbreak. "The doctor is daft about him; and besides him, as I told
you, there is the tutor."

"Ah! I forgot about him. Is he a nice sort of chap?"

"He's your worst enemy as well as mine. While he is about the place
there's no chance for either of us."

"Thanks--don't bring me into it. Say there's no chance for you. I can
take care of myself. And how about mamma?"

"She is at present too ill and distracted by her son's danger to think
of anything else. If the boy dies I shall not need to trouble her. If
he gets well, I may find it my duty to become his stepfather."

"Charming man, and fortunate mamma! Meanwhile, what are you going to do
for me?"

"My dear fellow, you must wait. I can put you up at Maxfield if you
behave decently, but as to money, you will spoil all if you are
impatient. I am not the only trustee, remember. I have to be careful."

"That's all very well. Sounds beautiful. But do you know, Teddy, I've
not quite as much confidence in you as I should like to have. I can't
enjoy my holiday without some pocket-money. The big lump might wait, if
properly secured. But the interest would be very convenient to me just
now. What shall I give you a receipt for?" added he, taking a seat at
the table; "