The poor girl was thus between two fires--that of her love for Cuthbert, and that of her mother's hearty hatred for the Earl and his nephew.

Under the circumstances Cuthbert thought it best to remain away from the "Shrine of the Muses" for a time until Mrs.Octagon could be brought to see reason.

But she was so obstinate a woman that it was doubtful if she would ever behave in, an agreeable manner.

Cuthbert returned to his rooms in a rather low state of mind.

He knew that Juliet, whatever happened, would remain true to him, and had quite hoped to bribe Mrs.Octagon into consenting by means of the inherited money.