Mrs. Octagon stepped back a pace. "Yes, I should," she
faltered.

Cuthbert Mallow looked at her, wondering why she was so
agitated, and Juliet stole her hand into his. Then he
addressed her seriously.

"Mrs. Octagon," he said, "your remark about my uncle leads me
to think you suspect him."

"No I don't. But you can't marry Juliet on account of this
crime."

"Then you hear me," said Mallow, driven into a corner, "from
this moment I devote myself to finding out who killed your
unfortunate sister. When the assassin is discovered you may
consent to our marriage."

But he spoke to empty air. Mrs. Octagon had left the room,
almost before the first words left his mouth.




CHAPTER V

LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE