Mrs. Octagon did not answer. "Is your uncle in town?" she
asked.

"Yes. He arrived from the continent a day or two ago."

"I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to
repress her agitation. "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry
you."

"Why not? Give your reason."

"I have no reason to give."

"But you must. Is it on account of this murder?"

"It is. I told Juliet so. But I cannot explain."

The lovers looked at one another in a dazed fashion. The
woman's objection seemed to be senseless. "Surely you don't
think Cuthbert killed Aunt Selina?" said Juliet, laughing in a
forced manner.

"No. I don't suspect him."

"Then whom do you suspect?" demanded Mallow.

"That I decline to say."

"Will you decline to say it to the police?"