“No!  No!  No!” said Mallow, “nothing will ever persuade me that Basil is guilty.”

Jennings looked doubtful.  He had his own opinion as to young Saxon’s capability for crime.  “However, the whole case is so perplexing that I fear to name any particular person,” said he, taking his hat.  “Now I shall see Miss Garthorne and get her to write to Miss Saxon.”

Apparently there was no difficulty about this, for in three days he wrote to Mallow, telling him to come to Pimlico on Friday at four o’clock.  Juliet was surprised when she received an invitation from an old schoolfellow of whom she had lost sight for years.  However, owing to her troubles, she felt the need of some sympathetic soul in whom she could safely confide, and knowing Peggy was one of those rare friends who could keep her own counsel, Juliet readily agreed to pay the visit.  She arrived at the Academy shortly before three o’clock, and the two girls had a long talk of their old days.  Also Juliet told some of her difficulties—­but not all—­to Peggy.  “And I don’t know how things will turn out,” said Miss Saxon disconsolately, “everything seems to be wrong.”

“They will continue to be wrong unless you act wisely,” said Peggy.

“In what way should I act?”

“Stick to Mr. Mallow.  He loves you and you love him.  I do not see why you should surrender your life’s happiness for the sake of your family.  Of course you have not told me all,” and Peggy looked at her inquiringly.

Juliet shuddered.  “I dare not tell you all,” she said faintly.  “I have to think of other people.”

“Think of Mr. Mallow first.”

“I am thinking of him.”

“Then it is on his account you keep silence.”

Juliet nodded.  “I must hold my tongue.  If you could advise me—­”

“My dear,” said clear-headed Miss Garthorne, rather impatiently, “I can’t advise unless I know all, and you will not trust me.”

“I have to consider others,” repeated Juliet obstinately; “if Cuthbert knew what I feel—­”

“Why don’t you tell him?  See here, Juliet, you are keeping something back from me.  On my part, I have kept something back from you.  But I see it is necessary to speak plainly.  Juliet, I am engaged.”

“Oh, I am so glad,” cried Miss Saxon, embracing her friend.  “Is he nice?”

“I think so; but I am not sure if you will be of that opinion.”

“Do I know him?” asked Juliet, opening her eyes widely.

“You do.  Not very well, perhaps, but you know him.”

“What is his name?”

“I’ll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow.”

Miss Saxon rose with rather an offended look.  “I have no intention of seeing Mr. Mallow.”

“Supposing he was here, would you consent to an interview?”

“I don’t dare—­I dare not!  If he asked questions!—­what do you mean?”

“Nothing,” said Peggy briskly.  “We have joined issue, as the lawyers say.  I advise you to speak out and you refuse.”