Since her flight from the Soho house nothing had been heard of her,
although every inquiry had been made. Guessing that Jennings knew much
more than was suspected, she was wise enough not to go to the Rexton
factory, and congratulated herself on her foresight when she read the
accounts of the raid in the papers. But she was furiously angry at
losing all, when on the point of realizing her desires. She had sent
her money to be banked abroad; she hoped, by means of threats to induce
Mallow to give up Juliet, and she had trusted to win his love by
assiduous attentions. But the trick played by Jennings which revealed
her deception, and the raid on the factory and the consequent death of
Hale, upset her plans, and caused her to take refuge in hiding. She
did not fear being arrested, especially as her arch-enemy, the
detective, was confined to bed, so she had time to make her plans.
Maraquito particularly wished to revenge herself on Mallow and Juliet.
She still loved the young man as much as ever, despite his contemptuous
rejection of her suit. But she blamed Juliet Saxon for the hardening
of his heart, and it was on the girl that she determined to revenge
herself. At first she intended to call at the "Shrine of the Muses,"
but thinking she would meet with opposition from Mrs. Octagon, likely
to prevent the realization of her malignant wishes, she changed her
mind. It was no use visiting Mallow, as with him she could do nothing.
Therefore she resolved to write to Lord Caranby and arrange a meeting
with Juliet at his rooms in the Avon Hotel. Then, when in the presence
of the girl, she hoped to revenge herself in a way likely to cause
Mallow exquisite pain.
Thus it happened that Lord Caranby, who was very ill and confined to
his rooms, received a letter from Maraquito, asking him to invite Miss
Saxon to a meeting with the writer. "I see that the game is up," wrote
the artful Maraquito, "and I am willing to put things straight. I know
much which will be of service in clearing up matters, as I was a
partner with Hale and Clancy in the coining. I do not mind admitting
this, as I am not afraid of the police arresting me. I can look after
myself, and I am quite sure that you will not betray me when I call at
your rooms. I also have something to tell you about my dead Aunt
Emilia whom you so deeply loved. Therefore, if you will arrange for me
to meet Miss Saxon, and allow me to make a clean breast of it, all will
be well."