She
knew I loved Cuthbert, but she would never help me to marry
him. It was all Juliet with her--pah! I detest the girl.
I could do nothing while Emilia lived. She knew too much.
But after her death I made Mrs. Octagon stop the marriage."
"I think Mrs. Octagon will consent now," said Caranby, calmly.
"I doubt it. She hates you too much. However, she can, for
all I care, Lord Caranby. I have done with Cuthbert."
The old man hoped she had done with Juliet also, for he was
still uneasy. The expression of her face was most malignant.
More than ever persuaded that she intended harm, Caranby again
was about to summon his servant and forbid the entrance of the
expected girl, when suddenly the door opened and Juliet;
looking bright and happy, entered. She started back when she
saw the supposed old woman, who rose. Caranby jumped off the
sofa with an activity he had not shown for years, and got
between Juliet and her enemy. Maraquito burst into tears.
"Ah, you will be happy with Cuthbert," she wailed, "while I-"
a fresh burst of tears stopped her speech and she groped in
the satin bag for her handkerchief.
Juliet looked amazed. "Who is this, Lord Caranby?"
"Senora Gredos."
"Maraquito!" cried Juliet, starting back with an indignant
look. "I never expected to meet that woman--"
"You call me that?" cried Maraquito, flashing, up into a
passion. "I am the woman Cuthbert loves."
"He does not. He loves me.
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