believed Mr. Hale or Mr. Clancy--"

"Surely not," interposed Mr. Octagon anxiously, "both these
gentlemen have participated in the delights of our literary
Circle, and I should be loath to credit them with violence."

"I don't believe either has anything to do with the matter.
Mother doesn't like them because they were such good friends
to Aunt Selina. Can you guess why mother quarrelled with
aunt, father?"

"No, my dear. Your mother has some grudge against her. What
it is I do not know. She never told me. But for over fifteen
years your mother spoke little of your aunt and never called
to see her. I was quite astonished when she consented that
you and Basil should call. Did your aunt ever speak of your
mother?"

"Very little, and then she was cautious--what she said. But
this is not the question," continued the girl, leaning her
chin on her hand and staring into the fire; "why does mother
say I must break my engagement with Cuthbert on account of
this death?"

"Perhaps she will explain."

"No; she left the room to avoid an explanation. Cuthbert
certainly saw Aunt Selina once or twice, but he did not care
for her. But he can have nothing to do with the matter. Then
again, mother, up till now, was always pleased that I should