"
Cuthbert jumped up. "What has Juliet to do with this?" he
asked.
"I went to see her," explained Jennings rapidly, "and was shown
up to the attic of Rose Cottage by Mrs. Pill. Miss Saxon
was standing on a chair with her hand on the cornice. I
managed to place my hand in the same place--it matters not
how--and there I found that."
"This knife?" Cuthbert, still bewildered, took up the
formidable weapon. "But how did she become possessed of it?"
"You must ask her that."
"I? Why did you not ask her yourself?"
"She would have lied to me--for your sake."
"For my sake? Do you mean to say she thinks I am guilty?"
"Yes, I do," said Jennings decisively.
"It's an infernal lie! I don't believe Juliet would think me
such a blackguard unless she did not love me--and she does
love me."
"Of course," interposed Jennings swiftly, "so much so that she
has concealed this knife so as to--as she thinks--save
you. Now, can you not see why she asked you to proceed no
further in the case for your--own sake. I thought she was
shielding her brother. It is you she believes guilty--"
"And therefore will not marry me?"
"No. I don't think for one moment she cares about that. When
a woman loves a man she will stick to him through thick and
thin. If he is a regular Cain, she will marry him. Bless the
whole sex, they are the staunchest of friends when they love.
No, Mallow, in some way Mrs. Octagon has learned that you have
killed her--"
"But I never did--I never did.
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