sister dying only last night affords her the opportunity of
getting me into trouble. But I am afraid Mrs. Octagon will be
disappointed of her revenge, long though she has waited."

"Revenge! remember, sir, she is the mother of Juliet."

"I sincerely hope Juliet does not take after her, then," said
Lord Caranby, tartly. "To be perfectly plain with you,
Cuthbert, I could never understand why Mrs. Octagon sanctioned
your engagement with her daughter, considering you are my
nephew."

"I don't understand," said Mallow, staring and uneasily.

Caranby did not answer immediately. He rose and walked
painfully up and down the room leaning heavily on his cane.
Mallow offered his arm but was impatiently waved aside. When
the old man sat down again he turned a serious face to his
nephew. "Do you love this girl?"

"With all my heart and soul."

"And she loves you?"

"Of course. We were made for one another."

"But Mrs. Octagon--"

"I don't like Mrs. Octagon--I never did," said Mallow,
impetuously, "but I don't care two straws for her opposition.