ne, rather impatiently, "I
can't advise unless I know all, and you will not trust me."

"I have to consider others," repeated Juliet obstinately; "if Cuthbert
knew what I feel--"

"Why don't you tell him? See here, Juliet, you are keeping something
back from me. On my part, I have kept something back from you. But I
see it is necessary to speak plainly. Juliet, I am engaged."

"Oh, I am so glad," cried Miss Saxon, embracing her friend. "Is he
nice?"

"I think so; but I am not sure if you will be of that opinion."

"Do I know him?" asked Juliet, opening her eyes widely.

"You do. Not very well, perhaps, but you know him."

"What is his name?"

"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow."

Miss Saxon rose with rather an offended look. "I have no intention of
seeing Mr. Mallow."

"Supposing he was here, would you consent to an interview?"

"I don't dare--I dare not! If he asked questions!--what do you mean?"

"Nothing," said Peggy briskly. "We have joined issue, as the lawyers
say. I advise you to speak out and you refuse."

"I don't understand all this. Is Cuthbert here?"

"Yes. To be plain with you, Juliet, a person I know arranged that I
should write to you and that Mr. Mallow should meet you here."

Juliet looked annoyed. "Who is interfering with my private business?"

"Someone who can help you."

"No one can help me," retorted Juliet.

"Oh, yes, and the advice of this person is that you should tell the
truth to Mr. Mallow."

"Who is this person?"

"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow. He is in the room
below."

"This interfering person you refer to?"

"No, Mr. Mallow. Will you come downstairs and see him?"

Juliet drew back as Peggy opened the door. "I dare not."

"In that case you will have to consent to the arrest of Mr. Mallow."

Juliet shrieked. "Cuthbert arrested! For what?"

"For the murder of Miss Loach."

"It is not true--it is not true," gasped Juliet. "Oh, Peggy, what does
it all mean? How do you come to know--?"

"Because I'm engaged to Miles Jennings."

"The detective! The man who behaved so badly to me?"

"I don't know what you call behaving badly," said Miss Garthorne in an
offended way. "Miles wishes to help you out of your difficulties, and
you will not allow him. No! Don't ask questions. I refuse to answer.
Miles told me all about the case and I know everything--"

"Then you know that he came the other day to Rose Cott