speak to you seriously--" here Juliet hesitated.

"Well, go on," said Cuthbert, taking her hand.

"Mother says--" began Juliet, then hesitated again. "Promise me you
will keep to yourself what I am about to tell you."

"Certainly. I never was a fellow to chatter."

"Then mother says that this murder will put a stop to our marriage."

Mallow stared, then flushed up to his ears. "What on earth does she
mean by that?" he asked aghast.

Juliet looked searchingly at him. "Do you know of any impediment?"

"I? Of course I don't. I am sorry for the death of your aunt, but I
really don't see what it has to do with you and me."

Juliet drew a breath of relief. "Mother hints that she knows who
committed the crime, and--"

"What! She knows. How does she know?"

"I can't say. She refuses to speak. She was not on good terms with
Aunt Selina and they never saw one another for over fifteen years. But
mother is much disturbed about the murder--"

"That is natural. A sister is a sister however much one may have
quarrelled. But why should this death stop our marriage?"

"I know no more than you do. Here is mother. Ask her yourself."

It was indeed Mrs. Octagon who entered the room. She looked very pale,
but otherwise was perfectly composed. In silence she gave her hand to
Cuthbert, and kept her black eyes fixed steadily on his face. The
young man flushed and turned away, whereat Mrs. Octagon sighed. Juliet
broke an embarrassed silence.

"Mother," she said, "I have told Cuthbert what you said."

"Then you had no right to," said Mrs. Octagon sternly.

"Oh, I think she had," said Mallow, rather annoyed. "Seeing you hint
that this crime will stop our marriage."

Mrs. Octagon did not answer. "Is your uncle in town?" she asked.

"Yes. He arrived from the continent a day or two ago."

"I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to repress her
agitation. "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry you."

"Why not? Give your reason."

"I have no reason to give."

"But you must. Is it on account of this murder?"

"It is. I told Juliet so. But I cannot explain."

The lovers looked at one another in a dazed fashion. The woman's
objection seemed to be senseless. "Surely you don't think Cuthbert
killed Aunt Selina?" said Juliet, laughing in a forced manner.

"No. I don't suspect him."

"Then whom do you suspect?" demanded Mallow.

"That I decline to say."

"Will you decline to say it t