word."

"But I don't understand--"

"Bless me," cried Mrs. Octagon, becoming more prosaic than
ever, "there is nothing to understand. But Selina lives in
quite a lonely house, and has a lot of money. I never open
the papers but what I expect to read of her death by
violence."

"Oh," murmured Juliet, again crossing to the window, "you
should not talk like that, mother!"

Mrs. Octagon laughed good-naturedly. "Nonsense, child. I am
only telling you my thoughts. Selina is such a strange woman
and keeps such strange company that she won't end in the usual
way. You may be sure of that. But, after all, if she does
die, you will come in for her money and then, can marry
Cuthbert Mallow."

Juliet shuddered. "I hope Aunt Selina will live for many a
long day, if that is what you think," she said sharply. "I
want none of her money. Cuthbert has money of his own, and
his uncle is rich also."

"I really hope Cuthbert has enough to justify him gambling."

"He does not gamble," said Juliet quickly.

"Yes he does," insisted Mrs. Octagon. "I have heard rumors;