Here he had often met Basil, and without doubt the young man had told his mother.

But he could hardly do this without incriminating himself.

All the same, Basil was a thorough liar, and a confirmed tattler.

He might have blackened Mallow's character, and yet have told a story to exonerate himself.
His friendship appeared feigned, and Cuthbert doubted if he would really tell Juliet of the appointment.
"That young man's in trouble," thought Mallow, "he is anxious about Hale, and I shouldn't wonder if that respectable person had lent him a large sum of money.

Probably he counts on getting the money from Juliet, should she inherit the fortune of Miss Loach.