" They were
standing now, and Lord Fawn's countenance was heavy, troubled, and full of
doubt. He said nothing, and was probably altogether unaware how eloquent
was his face. "My cousin, Lady Eustace," continued Frank, "must not be
kept in this suspense. I agree on her behalf that her title to these
trinkets must be made the subject of inquiry by persons adequate to form a
judgment. Of course, I, as her relative, shall take no part in that
inquiry. But as her relative, I must demand from you an admission that
your engagement with her cannot in any way be allowed to depend on the
fate of those jewels. She has chosen to accept you as her future husband,
and I am bound to see that she is treated with good faith, honour, and
fair observance."
Frank made his demand very well, while Lord Fawn was looking like a
whipped dog. "Of course," said his lordship, "all I want is, that the
right thing should be done."
"The right thing will be done. My cousin wishes to keep nothing that is
not her own. I may tell her, then, that she will receive from you an
assurance that you have had no intention of departing from your word."
After this, Lord Fawn made some attempt at a stipulation that this
assurance to Lizzie was to be founded on the counter-assurance given to
him that the matter of the diamonds should be decided by proper legal
authority; but Frank would not submit to this, and at last the Under-
Secretary yielded.
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