Certainly Juliet had said she would marry with or without her mother’s consent, but now that the consent was withheld with violent words, she seemed inclined to wait.  However, if she did not marry Mallow, he knew well that she would marry no one else, least of all the objectionable Arkwright, Cuthbert derived some degree of comfort from this small fact.  He wondered if there was any chance of forcing Mrs. Octagon into giving her consent, but after surveying the situation could see no opportunity.

After dinner that night, Cuthbert was thinking of going to see his uncle, who still stopped at the Avon Hotel when Hale was announced.  Mallow was surprised.  The lawyer was not a friend of his, and he had no liking for his company.  However, he felt a certain curiosity as to the reason of this unexpected visit and welcomed the man with civility.  But he did not ask him to have any coffee though it was on the table.  Cuthbert held to the traditions of the East regarding bread and salt, and he wished to leave himself free to deal with Hale as an enemy, should occasion arise, as it might.  Hale was far too intimate with Maraquito to please the young man.  And Maraquito’s attentions were far too pressing to make Cuthbert feel comfortable in her presence.

“Well, Mr. Hale,” said Mallow coldly, “why have you come?”

The lawyer, who was in an evening suit and dressed with taste and care, took a seat, although not invited to do so.  He looked cold and calm, but there was an excited gleam in his large eyes which showed that his calmness masked some emotion, the cause of which Cuthbert could not fathom.  “I have come to see you about young Saxon,” he said.

“Really,” answered Mallow coolly, although surprised, “what can you have to say to me about him.”

“He is your friend—­”

“Pardon me.  I can hardly call him so.  We are acquaintances only.”

“But you are engaged to his sister,” persisted Hale.

Mallow threw away the cigarette he was lighting and jumped up.  “I see no reason why Miss Saxon’s name should be mentioned, Mr. Hale.”

“Don’t you, Mr. Mallow?  I do.”

“Then I object to your mentioning it.  State your business and go, Mr. Hale.  I have no acquaintance with you.”

“I can’t state my business unless I mention Miss Saxon’s name.”

“Then you will please to take yourself off,” said Mallow.

Hale smiled coldly, though evidently annoyed.  “I think it is to your interest to hear me,” he said deliberately, “and to the interest of the lady whom you hope to call your wife.”

“Does this business concern Miss Saxon?”

“Indirectly it does.  But it rather has to do with her brother.”

Mallow frowned.  The conversation was taking a turn of which he did not approve.  However, he knew well the dangerous ground upon which he stood with regard to the case, and thought it best to hear what his unexpected visitor had to say.  “State your business,” he said curtly.