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 to the police?" 

 Mrs. Octagon stepped back a pace.  "Yes, I should," she faltered. 

 Cuthbert Mallow looked at her, wondering why she was so agitated, and Juliet stole her hand into his. Then he addressed her seriously. 

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