JULIET AT BAY Caranby's reply took away Jennings' breath.

The case was one of surprises, but he was not quite prepared for such an announcement.

He was in the brougham and driving towards the Avon Hotel with the old nobleman before he found his tongue.
"What can Mrs.Octagon have to do with Maraquito ?" he asked amazed.
"Ah! that is the question," replied Caranby, affording no clue.
"I did not even know she was acquainted with her." "Perhaps she gambles." "Even if she did, Maraquito's salon would hardly be the place she would choose for her amusement.

Moreover, Maraquito does not receive ladies.
She has no love for her own sex." "What woman has ?" murmured Caranby, ironically.

Then he added after a pause, "You know that Mrs.Octagon was present when Emilia fell from the plank in the Rexton house ?" "Yes.