I told Juliet so. But I cannot explain."
The lovers looked at one another in a dazed fashion. The
woman's objection seemed to be senseless. "Surely you don't
think Cuthbert killed Aunt Selina?" said Juliet, laughing in a
forced manner.
"No. I don't suspect him."
"Then whom do you suspect?" demanded Mallow.
"That I decline to say."
"Will you decline to say it to the police?"
Mrs. Octagon stepped back a pace. "Yes, I should," she
faltered.
Cuthbert Mallow looked at her, wondering why she was so
agitated, and Juliet stole her hand into his. Then he
addressed her seriously.
"Mrs. Octagon," he said, "your remark about my uncle leads me
to think you suspect him."
"No I don't. But you can't marry Juliet on account of this
crime."
"Then you hear me," said Mallow, driven into a corner, "from
this moment I devote myself to finding out who killed your
unfortunate sister. When the assassin is discovered you may
consent to our marriage."
But he spoke to empty air. Mrs. Octagon had left the room,
almost before the first words left his mouth.
CHAPTER V
LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE
Cuthbert was considerably perplexed by the attitude of
Juliet's mother. She had always been more than kind to him.
On the announcement that he wished to marry her daughter, she
had expressed herself well pleased, and during the engagement,
which had lasted some six months, she had received him as
Juliet's intended husband, with almost ostentatious delight.
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