And that," added Caranby, as though struck with a new idea, "may be the cause why Selina never answered my letter, and always refused to see or marry me.

She may have been--no, I am sure she was--under the thumb of Isabella.

Now that Selina is dead, Isabella is under the thumb of Maraquito." "This is all theory," said Jennings impatiently.
"We can only theorize in our present state of uncertainty," was the reply of the nobleman.

"But my explanation is a reasonable one." "I do not deny that.

But why should Maraquito send for Mrs.Octagon ?" "Why ?" echoed Caranby in surprise, "in order to stop the marriage with Cuthbert.