but I can't speak to her about the matter just yet. And after
all, there is no need to mention my visit. It does not
concern her in the least. I wonder," here Cuthbert stopped,
struck with an idea. "By George! can it be that Basil was
near Rose Cottage on the night the crime was committed?
Juliet may know that, and so, fearful lest he should be
accused of the murder, asked me to stop proceedings. Can
Basil Saxon be guilty? No," Mallow shook his head and resumed
his walk, "he has not pluck enough to kill a fly."

After this he dismissed the matter from his thoughts and
waited expectant of a letter from Juliet. None came, and he
was convinced that Basil had not delivered the message. This
being the case, Cuthbert determined to act for himself, and
one afternoon went down to Rexton. That same evening he had
an appointment with Jennings, who was to bring Susan Grant to
Mallow's rooms. But the young man quite expected to be back
in time to keep the appointment, and meantime he spent an hour
wandering round Rexton in the vicinity of Rose Cottage. But
afraid lest Mrs. Octagon should see him and keep Juliet within
doors, he abstained from passing in front of the house and
waited on the path which led to the station.

While watching the cottage, a young woman came along the path.
She was neatly dressed and looked like a servant. Cuthbert
pressed himself against the quickset hedge to allow her to
pass, as there was very little room. The girl started as she
murmured her thanks, and grew crimson on seeing his face.
Cuthbert, not thinking, gave a passing thought to her looks
and wondered why she had blushed. But when he saw her enter