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Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882

"The Eustace Diamonds"

Camperdown said
to John Eustace, it was manifest enough that she meant "to hang on to
them." "I only hope Lord Fawn will not be fool enough to marry her," said
Mr. Camperdown. Lord Fawn himself was of the same way of thinking; but
then how was he to clear his character of the charge which would be
brought against him; and how was he to stand his ground before Frank
Greystock?


CHAPTER XVII
THE DIAMONDS ARE SEEN IN PUBLIC

Let it not be supposed that Lady Eustace during these summer weeks was
living the life of a recluse. The London season was in its full splendour,
and she was by no means a recluse. During the first year of her widowhood
she had been every inch a widow, as far as crape would go, and a quiet
life either at Bobsborough or Portray Castle. During this year her child
was born, and she was in every way thrown upon her good behaviour, living
with bishops' wives and deans' daughters. Two years of retreat from the
world is generally thought to be the proper thing for a widow. Lizzie had
not quite accomplished her two years before she reopened the campaign in
Mount Street with very small remnants of weeds, and with her crape brought
down to a minimum; but she was young and rich, and the world is aware that
a woman of twenty-two can hardly afford to sacrifice two whole years.


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