"
"Of his own making," finished Cuthbert, thoroughly annoyed.
"See here, Juliet, this sort of thing can't go on. I have
done nothing to warrant my being treated like this. Your
mother is mad to behave as she is doing. I insist on an
explanation."
Juliet did not pay attention to this hasty speech. "How do
you know Basil has troubles?" she asked hurriedly.
"Because I know he's a dissipated young ass," returned Mallow
roughly; "and I daresay you know it also."
"Do you allude to his playing cards?" she asked quickly.
"Yes. He has no right to tell you these things. But I know
he is in debt to Hale--he hinted as much the other day. I
would say nothing of this to you, but that I know he counts on
your paying his debts. I tell you, Juliet, it is wrong for
you to do so."
"How do you know I can?" she asked.
"I know nothing," said Cuthbert doggedly, "not even if you
have inherited the money of Miss Loach."
"I have inherited it. She left everything to me, save
legacies to Thomas her servant, and to Emily Pill, the cook.
It is a large fortune. The will was read on the day of the
funeral. I have now six thousand a year."
"So much as that? How did your aunt make such a lot of
money?"
"Mr. Hale speculated a great deal on her account, and, he is
very lucky. At least so he told me. But the money is well
invested and there are no restrictions. I can easily pay the
few debts Basil owes, poor boy. You are too hard on him.
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