killed her? I tell you, Maraquito did so."

"What makes you think that?" asked Mallow, delighted at the mistake.

"Because she was always fighting with Emilia about you. Maraquito
wished to marry you, and Emilia would not let her. After Emilia died,
Maraquito saw me, and we arranged to stop the marriage, and--"

"I know all about that. I saw you--or rather my uncle saw you--enter
Maraquito's Soho house."

"I went on Basil's account also," said Mrs. Octagon, sullenly,
"however, I have told you all. What do you wish to do?"

"I wish to marry Juliet."

"Then I refuse," said Mrs. Octagon, savagely.

"In that case I'll tell."

"You will disgrace Juliet. Besides, the law can't touch me."

"I am not so sure of that. You were an accessory after the fact. And
if the public knew that you had acquiesced in the death of your sister
and had held your tongue for years, you would not be popular. I fear
your books would not sell then."

Mrs. Octagon saw all this, and glared savagely at Cuthbert. She would
have liked to kill him, but he was the stronger of the two, and knew
much which she wished kept silent. Mallow saw the impression he was
making and went on persuasively. "And think, Mrs. Octagon, Juliet can
give you up the six thousand a year--"

"Not she," laughed Mrs. Octagon, sneering.

"She will, at my request. I don't want my wife to possess money made
out of coining. The income will be made over to you by deed of gift."

"Six thousand a year," mused the lady, "and you will hold your tongue?"

"Of course, for Juliet's sake as well as for yours. But I think it
will be advisable for you to travel for a few years."

"I'll take up my abode in America forever," said Mrs. Octagon, rising,
"do you think I'll stop here and see you my daughter's husband? Not
for all the money in the world. Besides, Mr. Octagon has been insolent
over money, and I sha'n't stay with him. Basil and myself will go to
America and there we will become famous."

"It is certainly better than becoming famous in another way," said
Mallow, dryly, "you will, of course be quite amiable to Juliet. Also
to me, in public."

"Oh," she replied, with a short laugh, "I'll kiss you if you like."

"There is no need to go so far. I am sorry for you."

"And I hate you--hate you! Leave me now at least. You can come
to-morrow, and I'll consent publicly to the marriage. But I hope you
will both be miserable. Juliet does not love me or she wou