"
"Why not?" asked Cuthbert sharply; "do you know the reason?"
Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed
his mouth and shook his head.
Cuthbert pressed him. "If you know the reason, tell me," he
said, "and I'll help you out of your difficulties. You know I
love Juliet, and your mother does not seem to have any excuse
to forbid the marriage."
"I would help you if I could, but I can't. You had better ask
Juliet herself. She may tell you the reason."
"How can I find her?"
"Go down to Rose Cottage and ask to see her," suggested Basil.
"Your mother will not admit me."
"That's true enough. Well, I'll tell you what, Mallow, I'll
speak to Juliet and get her to make an appointment to see
you."
"I could write and ask her for one myself."
"Oh, no, you couldn't. Mother will intercept all letters."
"Upon my word--" began Mallow angrily, then stopped. It was
useless to show his wrath before this silly boy, who could do
no good and might do a deal of harm. "Very well, then," he
said more mildly, "ask Juliet to meet me on the other side of
Rexton, under the wall which runs round the unfinished house."
Basil started. "Why that place?" he asked nervously.
"It is as good as any other."
"You can't get inside."
"That's true enough. But we can meet outside. I have been
inside though, and I made a mess of myself climbing the wall."
"You were inside," began Basil, then suddenly appeared
relieved.
Pages:
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109