"
"But she could have accused Emilia."
"Emilia would have denied the accusation. Moreover, Isabella
was intimidated by the fierce nature of my aunt."
"A fierce nature, indeed, that would mutilate the dead. But I
do not see how Emilia hoped that the substitution would pass
undiscovered by Selina's friends, to say nothing of her
father."
"The idea was that Emilia, as Selina, should go abroad and
return to England in a few years. Owing to the unexpected
death of Mr. Loach, the father, the substitution was easy.
You know how Isabella alone appeared at the inquest, and how
Selina--really my aunt--pretended to be sick. Then the
two went abroad and came back; Emilia as Miss Loach went to
Rose Cottage, and Isabella married Mr. Saxon."
"But why did Emilia take Selina's name and--"
"Because Emilia was in danger of being arrested along with her
mother and brother for coining. You could not have saved her.
The accident of Selina's death--"
"The murder of Selina, you mean."
Maraquito made a gesture of indifference. "Call it what you
like. It happened opportunely however. It gave Emilia
safety, and by threatening to denounce Isabella, she stopped
her from marrying you."
Caranby looked up. "Ah! Now I see why Isabella left me alone.
She made one attempt, however."
"And did not succeed in inducing you to marry her. But had
she succeeded, Emilia would have stopped the marriage. Emilia
loved you."
"No," said Caranby coldly, "she loved my title and my name and
wealth.
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