marry Cuthbert."

"Yes," said Octagon, twiddling his thumbs; "she has known Mr.
Mallow ever since he was a child. Both your aunt and your
mother were great friends of Lord Caranby's in their youth,
over twenty years ago. I believe at one time Selina was
engaged to him, but he was in love with a young lady called
Miss Saul, who died unexpectedly."

"I know," said Juliet; "and then Lord Caranby abandoned the
house he was building at Rexton, and it has been shut up all
these years. Aunt Selina told me the story. When I asked
mother for details, she refused to speak."

"Your mother is very firm when she likes."

"Very obstinate, you mean," said Juliet, undutifully.
"However, I am not going to give up Cuthbert. I love him and
he loves me. I intend to marry him whatever mother may say."

"But if your mother refuses her consent?"

"I am over age."

As she spoke her brother entered the room hurriedly. Basil
Saxon was as fair and weak-looking as his sister was dark and
strong in appearance. He was smartly dressed, and in a rather
affected way. His hair was long, he wore a moustache and a
short imperial, and talked in a languid way in a somewhat
obscure manner. These were the traits Juliet disliked in