er,
because relatives should be friendly. I consented, as I heard from Mr.
Hale that Selina was rich, and fancied she might leave her money to my
children. Juliet has called several times--"

"More than that," interrupted Juliet in her turn, "both Basil and I
have called nearly every month. We sometimes went and did not tell
you, mother, as you seemed so annoyed that we should visit her."

"I consented only that you might retain her goodwill and get what money
she might leave," said Mrs. Octagon obstinately. "There is nothing in
common between Selina and me."

"There was nothing in common," put in Octagon softly.

"I know she is dead. You need not remind me of that unpleasant fact,
sir. And her death is worthy of her strange, and I fear not altogether
reputable life."

"Oh, mother, how can you? Aunt Selina was the most particular--"

"There--there," said her mother who was much agitated, "I know more
than you do. And between ourselves, I believe I know who killed her.
Yes! You may look. And this death, Juliet, ends your engagement with
Cuthbert."

CHAPTER IV

DETAILS

What Mrs. Octagon meant by her last enigmatic remark it is impossible
to say. After delivering it in her usual dramatic manner, she swept
from the room, leaving Juliet and her step-father staring at one
another. Peter was the first to break the silence.

"Your mother appears to be very positive," said he.

"About my giving up Cuthbert?" asked Juliet sharply.

"About the crime. She hinted that she guessed who killed the poor
lady. I never knew Miss Loach myself," added Mr. Octagon, seating
himself and ruffling his scanty locks, a habit with him when perplexed,
"but you said you liked her."

"Yes, Aunt Selina was always very nice to me. She had strange ways,
and, to tell you the truth, father," Juliet always addressed Peter
thus, to his great delight, "she was not so refined as mother--"

"Few people are so refined as my wife, my dear."

"As to mother knowing who killed her," pursued Juliet, taking no notice
of this interpolation, "it's nonsense. She said she believed Mr. Hale
or Mr. Clancy--"

"Surely not," interposed Mr. Octagon anxiously, "both these gentlemen
have participated in the delights of our literary Circle, and I should
be loath to credit them with violence."

"I don't believe either has anything to do with the matter. Mother
doesn't like them because they were such good friends to Aunt Selina.
Can y