"Now," went on Jennings, "it may be that Maraquito
hired someone to kill Miss Loach and is trying to put the
blame on you so that she may entangle you in her net. It will
be either the gallows or marriage with you. Of course she
could not kill the woman herself, but her aunt, Mrs. Herne--"
"She was out of the house an hour before the blow was struck."
"Quite so," rejoined Jennings dryly, "but she may have come
back again. However, the main point is, that Maraquito in
some way is working with Mrs. Octagon on this basis to prevent
your marriage. In this way they have impressed Miss Saxon
that you are guilty, and they have shown her this knife. This
evidence she retained in order to save you and at the price of
her marriage."
"It might be so," said Mallow, dazed with this view of the
case. "I certainly seem to be in a hole. If I could see
Juliet--but her mother prevents me."
"I have a plan to bring you together. I am engaged to a girl
called Miss Garthorne. She is the niece of an old dancing
master who taught Maraquito--"
"Le Beau?"
"The same. Well, I learn from Peggy--that is Miss
Garthorne's name--that she was at school for a few months
with Miss Saxon. Peggy, in spite of her poverty, has had a
good education, thanks to Le Beau, who loves her like a
father. Hence, in spite of the difference in rank, she was
brought into contact with Miss Saxon."
"Yes! Yes! I see. But the scheme?"
"Well, Peggy must write to Miss Saxon and ask her to come and
see her at the Pimlico Academy.
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