At that moment the jewels were
in very truth pawned for money which had been necessary for Lizzie's
needs. Certain things must be paid for--one's own maid for instance--and
one must have some money in one's pocket for railway-trains and little
knick-knacks which cannot be had on credit. Lizzie when she was nineteen
knew how to do without money as well as most girls; but there were calls
which she could not withstand, debts which even she must pay.
She did not, however, drop her acquaintance with Messrs. Harter &
Benjamin. Before her father had been dead eight months, she was closeted
with Mr. Benjamin, transacting a little business with him. She had come to
him, she told him, the moment she was of age, and was willing to make
herself responsible for the debt, signing any bill, note, or document
which the firm might demand from her to that effect. Of course she had
nothing of her own, and never would have anything. That Mr. Benjamin knew.
As for payment of the debt by Lady Linlithgow, who for a countess was as
poor as Job, Mr. Benjamin, she was quite sure, did not expect anything of
the kind. But----. Then Lizzie paused, and Mr.
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