"
"Really!" cried Cuthbert, rather nettled. "I don't see that I
have any reason to avoid Mrs. Octagon."
"She will not allow me to see you. If she knew I was meeting
you she would be very angry. We are here only till to-morrow.
Now that Aunt Selina is buried and the will read, we return to
Kensington at once. Come this way. Let us get into the open.
I don't wish my mother to follow and find me speaking to you."
They emerged into a waste piece of land, distant a stone-throw
from the railway station, but secluded by reason of many trees
and shrubs. These, belonging to the old Rexton estate, had
not yet been rooted up by the builder, and there ran a path
through the heart of the miniature wood leading to the
station. When quite screened from observation by the friendly
leafage, Juliet turned quickly. She was pale and ill in
looks, and there were dark circles under her eyes which told
of sleepless nights. But she was dressed with her usual care
and behaved in a composed manner.
"I wish you had not come, Cuthbert," she said, again taking
his hand, "at least not at present. Later on--"
"I wanted to see you at once," said Mallow, determinedly.
"Did not Basil tell you so?"
Juliet shook her head. "He said he met you the other day, but
gave me no message."
"Then he is not the friend I took him to be," said Mallow
angrily.
"Don't be angry with Basil," said Juliet, gently. "The poor
boy has quite enough trouble.
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