"
Juliet drew a breath of relief. "Mother hints that she knows
who committed the crime, and--"
"What! She knows. How does she know?"
"I can't say. She refuses to speak. She was not on good
terms with Aunt Selina and they never saw one another for over
fifteen years. But mother is much disturbed about the murder--"
"That is natural. A sister is a sister however much one may
have quarrelled. But why should this death stop our
marriage?"
"I know no more than you do. Here is mother. Ask her
yourself."
It was indeed Mrs. Octagon who entered the room. She looked
very pale, but otherwise was perfectly composed. In silence
she gave her hand to Cuthbert, and kept her black eyes fixed
steadily on his face. The young man flushed and turned away,
whereat Mrs. Octagon sighed. Juliet broke an embarrassed
silence.
"Mother," she said, "I have told Cuthbert what you said."
"Then you had no right to," said Mrs. Octagon sternly.
"Oh, I think she had," said Mallow, rather annoyed. "Seeing
you hint that this crime will stop our marriage."
Mrs. Octagon did not answer. "Is your uncle in town?" she
asked.
"Yes. He arrived from the continent a day or two ago."
"I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to
repress her agitation. "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry
you."
"Why not? Give your reason."
"I have no reason to give."
"But you must. Is it on account of this murder?"
"It is.
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