she knew Mallow did not coddle himself in any
way. However, she had seen the overcoat too often to mistake to whom
it belonged. Moreover, Cuthbert did not deny that he had jumped the
wall in the way she explained. "Well, now you know all, what will you
do?" she asked.

"I really can't say," said Mallow, who was trying to conceal his
agitation. "I can't think who took the knife out of my room. It was
in a trophy of arms on the wall, and I never noticed that it was
missing, till Jennings drew my attention to the loss. Certainly Miss
Loach was killed with that knife."

"I am positive of that," said Juliet. "There is blood on the handle.
But you understand why I kept silence?"

"Yes. But there was really no need. I shall call and see your mother
and insist on her giving her consent to our marriage. She has no
reason to refuse. Do you know why she objects?"

"No. She simply says she does not wish me to marry you."

"Did you not tell her what you have told me?"

"I did not. What was the use? It was because of my discovery of the
knife and seeing you, and receiving that letter, that I refused to
marry, and so fell in with my mother's plans."

"Juliet, you are not engaged to Arkwright?"

"No. I am engaged to you and you only. I mean I only pretended that I
would not marry you. My mother thought I was obeying her, but I was
really shielding you on account of that letter."

"Give me the letter, love, and I'll show it to Jennings."

"No," said Miss Saxon, shrinking back; "get him to drop the case."

"Why?" asked Cuthbert dryly. "I could understand that request when you
thought me guilty, but now that you know I am innocent, and that
Jennings is aware I was at Rose Cottage on that night, surely there is
no bar to his proceeding with the case."

"I do not wish it," faltered Juliet.

Cuthbert looked at her steadily and turned away with a sigh. "You are
keeping something from me," he said.

"And you from me," she retorted. "Why did you start when I spoke of
the overcoat?"

"Juliet, my own," Cuthbert took her hands earnestly, "there are
circumstances in this case which are very strange. Innocent persons may
be sacrificed. It is best for you and me to have nothing more to do
with the matter. Miss Loach is dead. Who killed her will never be
known. Let us marry, dear heart, and leave the case alone."

"I am quite willing. But my mother?"

"I shall persuade her to consent."

"I hope so; but I