"I don't mind. Maraquito is dead and nothing detrimental to the honor of the Mallows can transpire. You need say nothing at the inquest as to the bottle being thrown at Juliet."
"I'll do my best. But she will be questioned."
"I intend to see her this evening myself."
"What about Mrs. Octagon?"
"Oh," said the new Lord Caranby with a grim smile, "I intend to settle Mrs. Octagon once and for all."
"Surely you don't intend to tell her of the murder."
"Certainly not. She would make the matter public at once. But her knowledge of the real name of Emilia, and her hushing up of the murder of her sister, will be quite enough to bring her to her knees. I don't intend that Juliet shall have anything more to do with her mother. But I'll say very little."
After this Cuthbert departed and took a hansom to the "Shrine of the Muses." He arrived there at ten o'clock, and was informed by the butler that Miss Saxon was in bed with a headache, and that Mrs. Octagon had given orders that Mr. Mallow was not to be admitted. Basil was out, and Mr. Octagon likewise. Cuthbert listened quietly, and then gave the man, whom he knew well, half a sovereign. "Tell Mrs. Octagon that Lord Caranby wishes to see her."
"Yes, sir, but I don't—"
"I am Lord Caranby. My uncle died this evening."