Mr.
Camperdown's plain statement, which was gospel to him, was directly at
variance with Lizzie's story. Sir Florian certainly would not have given
such diamonds in such a way. Sir Florian would not have ordered a separate
iron safe for them, with a view that they might be secure in his wife's
bedroom. And then she had had them valued, and manifestly was always
thinking of her treasure. It was very well for a poor, careful peer to be
always thinking of his money, but Lord Fawn was well aware that a young
woman such as Lady Eustace should have her thoughts elsewhere. As he sat
signing letters at the India Board, relieving himself when he was left
alone between each batch by standing up with his back to the fireplace,
his mind was full of all this. He could not unravel truth quickly, but he
could grasp it when it came to him. She was certainly greedy, false, and
dishonest. And--worse than all this--she had dared to tell him to his face
that he was a poor creature because he would not support her in her greed,
and falsehood, and dishonesty! Nevertheless, he was engaged to marry her!
Then he thought of one Violet Effingham whom he had loved, and then came
over him some suspicion of a fear that he himself was hard and selfish.
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