Juliet was dark and rather little, not at all like her Junoesque mother. She was extremely pretty and dressed to perfection. Having more brains and a stronger will than Mallow, she guided him in every way, and had already succeeded in improving his morals. With so gentle and charming a mentor, Cuthbert was quite willing to be led into the paths of virtue. He adored Juliet and she loved him, so it appeared that the marriage would be quite ideal. "Much as we love one another," said Cuthbert when the lovers were seated on the sofa. "I wonder you can talk of anything but this horrid murder." "Because there is nothing to talk of," rejoined the girl impatiently; "according to Basil, the case is most mysterious, so it is useless for us to worry over it until something tangible is discovered. But I want to speak to you seriously--" here Juliet hesitated. "Well, go on," said Cuthbert, taking her hand. "Mother says--" began Juliet, then hesitated again. "Promise me you will keep to yourself what I am about to tell you." "Certainly. I never was a fellow to chatter." "Then mother says that this murder will put a stop to our marriage." Mallow stared, then flushed up to his ears. "What on earth does she mean by that?" he asked aghast. Juliet looked searchingly at him. "Do you know of any impediment?" "I? Of course I don't. I am sorry for the death of your aunt, but I really don't see what it has to do with you and me." Juliet drew a breath of relief. "Mother hints that she knows who committed the crime, and--" "What! She knows. How does she know?" "I can't say. She refuses to speak. She was not on good terms with Aunt Selina and they never saw one another for over fifteen years. But mother is much disturbed about the murder--" "That is natural. A sister is a sister however much one may have quarrelled. But why should this death stop our marriage?" "I know no more than you do. Here is mother. Ask her yourself." It was indeed Mrs. Octagon who entered the room. She looked very pale, but otherwise was perfectly composed. In silence she gave her hand to Cuthbert, and kept her black eyes fixed steadily on his face. The young man flushed and turned away, whereat Mrs. Octagon sighed. Juliet broke an embarrassed silence. "Mother," she said, "I have told Cuthbert what you said." "Then you had no right to," said Mrs. Octagon sternly. "Oh, I think she had," said Mallow, rather annoyed. "Seeing you hint that this crime will stop our marriage." Mrs. Octagon did not answer. "Is your uncle in town?" she asked. "Yes. He arrived from the continent a day or two ago." "I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to repress her agitation. "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry you." "Why not? Give your reason." "I have no reason to give." "But you must. Is it on account of this murder?" "It is. I told Juliet so. But I cannot explain."