I have arranged to do so next week, and you
will not see me here again. That is why I gave you this
chance of making inquiries."
"I am much obliged," said Jennings quite believing her story,
since she told it so earnestly: "but does Maraquito love
Hale?"
"No. She loves Mr. Mallow, Lord Caranby's nephew."
"She has a rival in Miss Saxon," said the detective.
Mrs. Herne turned red. "My niece fears no rival," she said
haughtily. "Miss Saxon shall never be the wife of Mr.
Mallow."
Jennings shrugged his shoulders. "I do not see how she can
stop the affair."
"Oh yes, she can. The mother is on her side."
"Ah! I thought there was some work of that kind."
"Hear me!" cried Mrs. Herne, imposing silence with a gesture.
"Basil Saxon is in love with Maraquito and she can twist the
poor fool round her finger. She agrees to send him away if
Mrs. Octagon stops this most absurd marriage."
"Which she has done."
"And which she will continue to do," said Mrs. Herne
decisively; "the mother does not wish Basil to marry my niece,
though she is quite as good as they if not better."
"Well," drawled Jennings, rising, "I now know why Mrs. Octagon
has acted in this way. There's no more to be said."
"Are there any further questions you wish to ask me? Remember
I go abroad forever next week. You will never see me again."
"I think I have asked you everything. By the why," Jennings
balanced his hat between two forefingers, "I suppose your
niece's complaint is incurable?"
"She thought so until lately.
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