"Yes. I want you to help me. Not that I think what I have
learned has anything to do with the case."

"I'm not so sure of that," said Jennings musingly, his eyes on
the carpet. "Mrs. Octagon bases her refusal to allow the
marriage on the fact of the death. However, you have warned
her, and she must take the consequence."

"But, my dear Jennings, you don't think she has anything to do
with the matter. I assure you she is a good, kind woman--"

"With a violent temper, according to your mother," finished
Jennings dryly. "However, don't alarm yourself. I don't
think she is guilty."

"I should think not," cried Mallow, indignantly. "Juliet's
mother!"

"But she may have something to do with the matter all the
same. However, you have been plain with me, and I will do all
I can to help you. The first thing is for us to follow up the
clue of the portrait."

"Ah, yes! I had quite forgotten that," said Mallow, casting a
look on the photograph which lay near at hand. "Just pass it,
will you."

Miles did so. "You say you recognize it," he said.