sil's face
assumed what may be described as an ugly look. "I should like to have
got even with the old cat. She insulted me."

"Gently, old fellow," said Mallow, seeing that Basil was losing his
temper, and having occasionally seen him in fits of uncontrollable
passion, "we're in the public street."

Basil's brow cleared. "All right," he said, "don't bother, I'll be all
right when Juliet gets the money. By the way, mother tells me you are
not going to marry her."

"Your mother is mistaken," rejoined Mallow gravely. "Juliet and I are
still engaged. I do not intend to give her up."

"I told mother you would not give in easily," said Basil, frowning,
"but you can't marry Juliet."

"Why not?" asked Cuthbert sharply; "do you know the reason?"

Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed his mouth
and shook his head.

Cuthbert pressed him. "If you know the reason, tell me," he said, "and
I'll help you out of your difficulties. You know I love Juliet, and
your mother does not seem to have any excuse to forbid the marriage."

"I would help you if I could, but I can't. You had better ask Juliet
herself. She may tell you the reason."

"How can I find her?"

"Go down to Rose Cottage and ask to see her," suggested Basil.

"Your mother will not admit me."

"That's true enough. Well, I'll tell you what, Mallow, I'll speak to
Juliet and get her to make an appointment to see you."

"I could write and ask her for one myself."

"Oh, no, you couldn't. Mother will intercept all letters."

"Upon my word--" began Mallow angrily, then stopped. It was useless to
show his wrath before this silly boy, who could do no good and might do
a deal of harm. "Very well, then," he said more mildly, "ask Juliet to
meet me on the other side of Rexton, under the wall which runs round
the unfinished house."

Basil started. "Why that place?" he asked nervously.

"It is as good as any other."

"You can't get inside."

"That's true enough. But we can meet outside. I have been inside
though, and I made a mess of myself climbing the wall."

"You were inside," began Basil, then suddenly appeared relieved. "I
remember; you were there on the day after Aunt Selina was killed."

"I have been there before that," said Cuthbert, wondering why the young
man avoided his eye in so nervous a manner.

"Not at--at night?" murmured Saxon, looking away.

"Once I was there at night. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing--n