So that I could come and go at pleasure without
troubling the servants, she gave me a latch-key. I happened
to have it in my pocket. I really wished to see her about
this quarrel she had with Basil."
"What was this quarrel about?"
Juliet deliberated before replying. "It was a small thing,"
she said at length. "Aunt Selina was fond of Basil and often
gave him money. Mr. Octagon doesn't allow Basil much, and
mother has enough to do to make both ends meet. Basil is, I
fear, extravagant. I know he gambles, though he never told me
where he went--"
"To Maraquito's," said Cuthbert. "I have met him there."
"I know," said Juliet in rather a reproachful tone. "I wish
you would not gamble, Cuthbert."
"I have given it up now. I only played for the excitement,
but since our engagement I have hardly touched a card. I
shall not play for money again. My visits to Maraquito's now
are purely in the interests of this case."
"Does she know anything about it?" asked Juliet, astonished.
"Yes," replied Mallow, wondering if the girl knew that Mrs.
Octagon had paid a visit to Senora Gredos. "Mrs. Herne, who
was your aunt's friend, is the aunt of Senora Gredos."
"I never knew that. But about this quarrel. Basil spent more
money than he could afford, poor boy--"
"Young scamp," murmured Cuthbert.
"Don't blame him. He means well," expostulated Juliet.
"Well, aunt gave him a lot of money, but he always wanted
more.
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