"Then he is not the friend I took him to be," said Mallow
angrily.

"Don't be angry with Basil," said Juliet, gently. "The poor
boy has quite enough trouble."

"Of his own making," finished Cuthbert, thoroughly annoyed.
"See here, Juliet, this sort of thing can't go on. I have
done nothing to warrant my being treated like this. Your
mother is mad to behave as she is doing. I insist on an
explanation."

Juliet did not pay attention to this hasty speech. "How do
you know Basil has troubles?" she asked hurriedly.

"Because I know he's a dissipated young ass," returned Mallow
roughly; "and I daresay you know it also."

"Do you allude to his playing cards?" she asked quickly.

"Yes. He has no right to tell you these things. But I know
he is in debt to Hale--he hinted as much the other day. I
would say nothing of this to you, but that I know he counts on
your paying his debts. I tell you, Juliet, it is wrong for
you to do so."

"How do you know I can?" she asked.

"I know nothing," said Cuthbert doggedly, "not even if you
have inherited the money of Miss Loach."