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Trollope, Anthony, 1815-1882

"The Eustace Diamonds"

They are plants that grow slowly. There was still too much of
the mushroom about Lady Eustace to permit of her possessing such
treasures. Her footman was six feet high, was not bad-looking, and was
called Thomas. She knew no more about him, and was far too wise to expect
sympathy from him, or other aid than the work for which she paid him. Her
own maid was somewhat nearer to her; but not much nearer. The girl's name
was Patience Crabstick, and she could do hair well. Lizzie knew but little
more of her than that.
Lizzie considered herself to be still engaged to be married to Lord Fawn,
but there was no sympathy to be had in that quarter. Frank Greystock might
be induced to sympathise with her, but hardly after the fashion which
Lizzie desired. And then sympathy in that direction would be so dangerous
should she decide upon going on with the Fawn marriage. For the present
she had quarrelled with Lord Fawn; but the very bitterness of that
quarrel, and the decision with which her betrothed had declared his
intention of breaking off the match, made her the more resolute that she
would marry him. During her journey to Portray she had again determined
that he should be her husband; and, if so, advanced sympathy--sympathy
that would be pleasantly tender with her cousin Frank--would be dangerous.


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