"Japix roared like a Bull of Bashan.
"'You seem pretty certain about the sex,' he observed, wiping his eyes; 'but fancy calling the first child Octavius, which means eighth. It's like a riddle.'
"'And why not? The whole marriage arose out of a riddle.'
"'How so?'
"'The Jarlchester Mystery.'
"'Well, you've found out your riddle,' said Japix, coolly; 'but, as you can't guess how such a frivolous girl as Florry could commit such a clever murder, it's a riddle to you still.'
"'It is! Let us put it in the form of an epigram.'
"'Proceed.'
"'This is a riddle! Guess it. 'Tis still a riddle!'
"'Humph! Author?'