went out into the open
air by another exit to see if anyone was about. She never returned and
Hale and I went in search of her. We found her dead, and--"

"I know all this. Hale confessed it. But he does not know who killed
her. Do you?"

"I can't say for certain. But I suspect Mrs. Octagon stabbed her."

"But how could Mrs. Octagon get the knife?"

"Basil got that from Mallow's room. He gave it to his mother, and--"

"This is all theory," said Caranby angrily, "you have no grounds."

"None at all," replied Maraquito calmly, "but if anyone had a wish to
kill my aunt, Mrs. Octagon had. Emilia kept a tight hold over that
woman, and made her do what she wished."

"About the marriage?"

"Yes, and other things. I have never been able to understand why Aunt
Emilia took such a fancy to Cuthbert and that girl. But she certainly
wished to see them married. She asked Juliet for a photograph of your
nephew, and Juliet gave her one. I took it, and that girl Susan Grant
stole it from me. It was strange that the photograph should have gone
back to the cottage. Aunt and I quarrelled over the marriage. She
knew I loved Cuthbert, but she would never help me to marry him. It
was all Juliet with her--pah! I detest the girl. I could do nothing
while Emilia lived. She knew too much. But after her death I made Mrs.
Octagon stop the marriage."

"I think Mrs. Octagon will consent now," said Caranby, calmly.

"I doubt it. She hates you too much. However, she can, for all I
care, Lord Caranby. I have done with Cuthbert."

The old man hoped she had done with Juliet also, for he was still
uneasy. The expression of her face was most malignant. More than ever
persuaded that she intended harm, Caranby again was about to summon his
servant and forbid the entrance of the expected girl, when suddenly the
door opened and Juliet; looking bright and happy, entered. She started
back when she saw the supposed old woman, who rose. Caranby jumped off
the sofa with an activity he had not shown for years, and got between
Juliet and her enemy. Maraquito burst into tears. "Ah, you will be
happy with Cuthbert," she wailed, "while I-" a fresh burst of tears
stopped her speech and she groped in the satin bag for her handkerchief.

Juliet looked amazed. "Who is this, Lord Caranby?"

"Senora Gredos."

"Maraquito!" cried Juliet, starting back with an indignant look. "I
never expected to meet that woman--"

"You call me that?"