But Lord Caranby might be induced to talk--no easy matter--and from what he said, the mystery of Mr.
Octagon's attitude might be elucidated.

Only in the past--so far as the perplexed young man could conjecture--could be found the reason for her sudden change of front.
Cuthbert therefore sent a wire to his uncle, stating that he wished to see him after eight o'clock on special business, and then went home to dress.
While thus employed, he thought over means and ways to make Caranby open his mouth.

The old lord was a silent, grave man, who never uttered an unnecessary word, and it was difficult to induce him to be confidential.

But invariably he had approved of his nephew's engagement, although he had never seen Juliet, so it might be that he would speak out--if there was anything to say--in order to remove any impediment to the match.

It depended upon what information he received as to how Mallow would act.
At half-past eight he drove to the Avon Hotel and was shown up at once to his uncle's sitting-room.