"I have inherited it. She left everything to me, save
legacies to Thomas her servant, and to Emily Pill, the cook.
It is a large fortune. The will was read on the day of the
funeral. I have now six thousand a year."

"So much as that? How did your aunt make such a lot of
money?"

"Mr. Hale speculated a great deal on her account, and, he is
very lucky. At least so he told me. But the money is well
invested and there are no restrictions. I can easily pay the
few debts Basil owes, poor boy. You are too hard on him."

"Perhaps I am. But he is so foolish, and he doesn't like me.
I believe he puts you against me, Juliet."

The girl threw her arms round his neck. "Nothing in the world
would ever put me against you, Cuthbert," she whispered
vehemently. "I love you--I love you--with all my heart
and soul, with every fibre of my being do I love you. I don't
care what mother says, I love you."

"Well, then," said Cuthbert, between kisses, "since you are
now rich and your own mistress--not that I care about the
money--why not marry me at once?"

Juliet drew back, and her eyes dilated with fear. "I dare not--
I dare not," she whispered. "You don't know what you ask."