nversation was particularly agreeable last
night," rejoined Mallow, equally dryly, "we talked business and money
matters, and about your will."

"And about your engagement also," said Caranby without a vestige of a
smile. "That should interest a young man of your ardent temperament.
I certainly thought the subject amused you."

"Would you be surprised to learn that my engagement has been broken off
since our conversation," said Cuthbert, crossing his legs.

"No! Who can account for the whims of a woman. After all, perhaps you
are to be congratulated on not marrying a weathercock."

"Juliet has nothing to do with the breaking of our engagement. Her
mother objects."

"I understood for the last six months that her mother not only
approved, but was delighted."

"That is the strange part, sir. On hearing of the death of her sister,
Mrs. Octagon suddenly changed her mind, and told me that the marriage
could not take place."

"Did she give any reason?"

"She declined to do so."

"The same woman," muttered Caranby, "always mysterious and
unsatisfactory. You say her sister is dead?"

Cuthbert cast a look at the Globe, which lay on a small table near
Caranby's elbow. "If you have read the papers, sir--" "Yes! I have
read that Miss Loach has been murdered. You went down to Rexton
to-day. I presume you heard something more than the details set forth
by the press."

Cuthbert nodded. "It appears to be a mystery."

Caranby did not reply, but looked into the fire. "Poor Selina!" he
said half to himself. "A sad end for such a charming woman."

"I should hardly apply that word to Miss Loach, sir. She did not
appear to be a lady, and was by no means refined."

"She must have changed then. In her young days she and her sister were
the handsomest women in London."

"I believe you were engaged to one of them," said Mallow politely.

"Yes," replied his uncle grimly. "But I escaped."

"Escaped?"

"A strange word is it not, but a suitable one."

Cuthbert did not know what to make of this speech. "Have I your
permission to smoke?" he asked, taking out his case.

"Yes! Will you have some coffee?"

"Thank you. I had some before I came here. Will you--" he extended
the case of cigarettes, which Caranby declined.

"Ring for Fletcher to get me my chibouque."

"It is in the corner. We will dispense with Fletcher with your
permission." And Cuthbert brought the chibouque to his uncle's side.
In another