fear she hates you because you are Lord Caranby's
nephew. She hinted as much. I don't know the reason."

"I do," said Mallow calmly, "and I think I may be able to persuade her
to see reason. I shall meddle no more with the case."

"What about Mr. Jennings?"

"I will tell him what I have told you, and what you have told me. Then
I will point out the futility of looking for a needle in a haystack.
He may be inclined to let the case drop. He ought to be weary of it by
this time."

Juliet looked wistfully at him. "Can't we be plain with one another?"

"No," said Mallow, shaking his head, "you have your suspicions and I
mine. Let us refrain from talking about the matter."

Miss Saxon drew a breath of relief. "I think that is best," she said,
and her expression was reflected in the eyes of her lover. "When will
you come and see mother?"

"Next week. If her objection is a question of money, you can hand over
the whole of that income you have inherited."

"Aunt Selina's six thousand a year! Why?"

"Because I have enough money for us both, and when Caranby dies I shall
be almost a millionaire. I don't like you having this money."

"But your reason?"

"I have none that I can tell you. Besides, if we can buy Mrs.
Octagon's consent with even six thousand a year--"

"I do not mind," said Juliet. "But now that I know you are really
innocent, and I take shame to myself for having doubted you, I am
willing to marry you, even though my mother withholds her consent."

"My darling!" Cuthbert folded the girl in his arms and kissed her. "I
now know that you truly love me. Indeed, I never doubted you."

"But I doubted myself," said Juliet tearfully. "I should never have
suspected you, even though the evidence was so strong."

"You lost your head for the moment," said her lover, "but don't let us
talk any more about the matter. I shall pacify Jennings and get him to
drop the case. Then we will marry and take a tour round the world so
as to forget these unpleasant matters."

"Yes, that is best," said Juliet, and the two walked towards the door.

They should have been completely happy now that all misunderstandings
were cleared up, but each wore a gloomy expression. Apparently the
shadow of Miss Loach's death still clouded the sunshine of their lives.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS

Jennings was at breakfast in his rooms, considering what he should do
next in connection with the case.