to do.  Cuthbert knew that the young fellow had been “born tired”! and although something of an idler himself, liked Basil none the more for his laziness.  Had Mallow been poor he would certainly have earned his bread, but he had a good income and did not work.  And, after all, he only pursued the way of life in which he had been brought up.  But Basil was poor and had his career to make, therefore he certainly should have labored.  However, for Juliet’s sake, Cuthbert was as polite as possible.

“If I were you, Saxon, I should leave cards alone,” said Mallow.

“Nonsense!  I don’t play high.  Besides, I have seen you at Maraquito’s also losing a lot.”

“I can afford to lose,” said Cuthbert dryly, “you can’t.”

“No, by Jove, you’re right there.  But don’t preach, Mallow, you ain’t such a saint yourself.”

“Can I help you with a cheque?”

Basil had good breeding enough to color.

“No!  I didn’t explain myself for that,” he said coldly, “and besides, if Juliet comes in for Aunt Selina’s money, I’ll get some.  Juliet and I always share.”

This meant that Juliet was to give the money and Basil to spend it.  Mallow was disgusted with this candid selfishness.  However, he did not wish to quarrel with Basil, as he knew Juliet was fond of him, and moreover, in the present state of affairs, he was anxious to have another friend besides Mr. Octagon in the house.  “Perhaps Miss Loach may have left you some money after all,” he remarked.

“By Jove, I hope so.  I’ll be in a hole if she has not.  There’s a bill—­” here he stopped, as though conscious of having said too much.  “But that will come into Juliet’s possession,” he murmured.

“What’s that?” asked Cuthbert sharply.

“Nothing—­nothing—­only a tailor’s bill.  As to getting money by the will, don’t you know I quarrelled with Aunt Selina a week before her death.  Yes, she turned me out of the house.”  Here Basil’s face assumed what may be described as an ugly look.  “I should like to have got even with the old cat.  She insulted me.”

“Gently, old fellow,” said Mallow, seeing that Basil was losing his temper, and having occasionally seen him in fits of uncontrollable passion, “we’re in the public street.”

Basil’s brow cleared.  “All right,” he said, “don’t bother, I’ll be all right when Juliet gets the money.  By the way, mother tells me you are not going to marry her.”

“Your mother is mistaken,” rejoined Mallow gravely.  “Juliet and I are still engaged.  I do not intend to give her up.”

“I told mother you would not give in easily,” said Basil, frowning, “but you can’t marry Juliet.”

“Why not?” asked Cuthbert sharply; “do you know the reason?”

Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed his mouth and shook his head.

Cuthbert pressed him.  “If you know the reason, tell me,” he said, “and I’ll help you out of your difficulties.  You know I love Juliet, and your mother does not seem to have any excuse to forbid the marriage.”