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Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882

"The Eustace Diamonds"

They were very beautiful, and seemed to him
to outshine all other jewelry in the room. And Lady Eustace was a woman of
whom it might almost be said that she ought to wear diamonds. She was made
to sparkle, to be bright with outside garniture--to shine and glitter, and
be rich in apparel. The only doubt might be whether paste diamonds might
not better suit her character. But these were not paste, and she did shine
and glitter and was very rich. It must not be brought as an accusation
against Lady Glencora's guests that they pressed round to look at the
necklace. Lady Glencora's guests knew better than to do that. But there
was some slight ferment--slight, but still felt both by Lord Fawn and by
Lady Eustace. Eyes were turned upon the diamonds, and there were whispers
here and there. Lizzie bore it very well; but Lord Fawn was uncomfortable.
"I like her for wearing them," said Lady Glencora to Lady Chiltern.
"Yes--if she means to keep them. I don't pretend, however, to know
anything about it. You see the match isn't off."
"I suppose not. What do you think I did? He dined here, you know, and,
before going down-stairs, I told him that she was coming.


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