"No! I didn't explain myself for that," he said coldly, "and besides, if Juliet comes in for Aunt Selina's money, I'll get some. Juliet and I always share." This meant that Juliet was to give the money and Basil to spend it. Mallow was disgusted with this candid selfishness. However, he did not wish to quarrel with Basil, as he knew Juliet was fond of him, and moreover, in the present state of affairs, he was anxious to have another friend besides Mr. Octagon in the house. "Perhaps Miss Loach may have left you some money after all," he remarked. "By Jove, I hope so. I'll be in a hole if she has not. There's a bill--" here he stopped, as though conscious of having said too much. "But that will come into Juliet's possession," he murmured. "What's that?" asked Cuthbert sharply. "Nothing--nothing--only a tailor's bill. As to getting money by the will, don't you know I quarrelled with Aunt Selina a week before her death. Yes, she turned me out of the house." Here Basil's face assumed what may be described as an ugly look. "I should like to have got even with the old cat. She insulted me." "Gently, old fellow," said Mallow, seeing that Basil was losing his temper, and having occasionally seen him in fits of uncontrollable passion, "we're in the public street." Basil's brow cleared. "All right," he said, "don't bother, I'll be all right when Juliet gets the money. By the way, mother tells me you are not going to marry her." "Your mother is mistaken," rejoined Mallow gravely. "Juliet and I are still engaged. I do not intend to give her up." "I told mother you would not give in easily," said Basil, frowning, "but you can't marry Juliet." "Why not?" asked Cuthbert sharply; "do you know the reason?" Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed his mouth and shook his head. Cuthbert pressed him. "If you know the reason, tell me," he said, "and I'll help you out of your difficulties. You know I love Juliet, and your mother does not seem to have any excuse to forbid the marriage." "I would help you if I could, but I can't. You had better ask Juliet herself. She may tell you the reason." "How can I find her?" "Go down to Rose Cottage and ask to see her," suggested Basil. "Your mother will not admit me." "That's true enough. Well, I'll tell you what, Mallow, I'll speak to Juliet and get her to make an appointment to see you." "I could write and ask her for one myself." "Oh, no, you couldn't. Mother will intercept all letters." "Upon my word--" began Mallow angrily, then stopped. It was useless to show his wrath before this silly boy, who could do no good and might do a deal of harm. "Very well, then," he said more mildly, "ask Juliet to meet me on the other side of Rexton, under the wall which runs round the unfinished house." Basil started. "Why that place?" he asked nervously. "It is as good as any other." "You can't get inside."