Mrs. Octagon objects to the marriage. She has never forgiven
me for not making her my wife."

Cuthbert nodded again. "But I can't understand why she should
have consented at all, only to alter her mind when Selina
died."

"I can't understand that myself. But I decline to mix myself
up in the matter. You will have to learn the reason
yourself."

"I intend to," said Mallow rising, "and the reason I am
certain is connected with the violent death of her sister!" A
speech to which Caranby replied by shaking his head. He did
not agree with the idea.

"And you see, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, I had no reason
to kill Selina," said Caranby gravely. "I cannot understand
why Isabella should accuse me--"




CHAPTER VI

A PERPLEXING CASE


The morning after his visit to Lord Caranby, Mallow was
unexpectedly called to Devonshire on account of his mother's