ul.
That poor soul was buried, and then I shut up the house and left it as
it is now. I travelled, as you know, for years, and I am travelling
still, for the matter of that," added Caranby with a sigh, "all
Selina's fault. She was the only woman I ever loved."

"But was there not an inquest held on Emilia's body?"

"Oh yes, and Isabella gave evidence as to the accident. Selina was too
ill to appear. But there was no need. The cause of the death was
plain enough. Moreover, Emilia had no relatives who cared to make
inquiries. She left very little money, so those she had, did not
trouble themselves."

"It is a strange story," said Cuthbert, looking puzzled. "Had you an
idea that Emilia may have been pushed off the plank by Selina?"

"Certainly not," rejoined Caranby indignantly. "She was a good and
kind girl. She would not do such a thing."

"Humph!" said Mallow, remembering the eagle nose and thin lips of Miss
Loach. "I'm not so sure of that."

"Isabella, who was passionate, might have done it," resumed Caranby,
"often did I wish to speak to her on the subject, but I never did. And
after all, the jury brought in a verdict of accidental death, so there
was no use making trouble."

"Had Emilia no relatives who might have made inquiries?"

"I believe she had a brother who was a clerk in an office, but, as I
said, she left no money, so he did not bother himself. I saw him after
the death, and the sight of him made me glad I had not married his
sister. He looked a thorough blackguard, sly and dangerous. But, as I
said, Emilia came of low people. It was only her fine voice and great
talents that brought her into the society where I met her. I have
never heard of her brother since. I expect he is dead by this time. It
is over twenty years ago. But you can now understand why Mrs. Octagon
objects to the marriage. She has never forgiven me for not making her
my wife."

Cuthbert nodded again. "But I can't understand why she should have
consented at all, only to alter her mind when Selina died."

"I can't understand that myself. But I decline to mix myself up in the
matter. You will have to learn the reason yourself."

"I intend to," said Mallow rising, "and the reason I am certain is
connected with the violent death of her sister!" A speech to which
Caranby replied by shaking his head. He did not agree with the idea.

"And you see, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, I had no reason to kill
Selina