Peter never knew the true history of his wife.
He always refers to Mrs. Octagon with respect, but shows no
disposition to join her in America. Peter has had quite
enough of sham art and sham enthusiasm.
And Cuthbert was married to Juliet within the year. The
wedding was quiet on account of his uncle's death, and then
Lord Caranby took his bride for a tour round the world. To
this day Lady Caranby believes that Maraquito murdered Miss
Loach, and knows also from newspaper reports that the
pretended aunt was really Emilia Saul. Mrs. Octagon also
expressed surprise at the infamous imposture, and quite
deceived Juliet, who never learned what part her mother had
taken in the business. In fact Juliet thought her mother was
quite glad she had married Cuthbert.
"Mother really liked you all the time," she said to her
husband when they set off on their honeymoon.
"I doubt that," replied Lord Caranby, dryly.
"She told me that it was always the dream of her life to see me
your wife, but that Maraquito had threatened to ruin Basil if--"
"Oh, that is the story, is it? Well, Juliet, I am much
obliged to Mrs. Octagon for loving me so much, but, with your
permission, we will not see more of her than we can help."
"As she is in America we will see very little of her," sighed
Lady Caranby, "besides, she loves Basil more than me. Poor
boy, I hope he will get on in America."
"Of course he will. He will marry an heiress--" And
Cuthbert's prophecy proved to be correct--"Don't let us talk
of these things any more, Juliet.
Pages:
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336