Is he always thinking of his absent
Lizzie? Does he still toil at Downing Street? Oh, dear; do you remember,
Frank, when he told us that 'one of us must remain in town'?"
"I have seen him."
"So you wrote me word."
"And I have seen a very obstinate, pig-headed, but nevertheless honest and
truth-speaking gentleman."
"Frank, I don't care twopence for his honesty and truth. If he ill-treats
me----." Then she paused; looking into his face, she had seen at once by
the manner in which he had taken her badinage, without a smile, that it
was necessary that she should be serious as to her matrimonial prospects.
"I suppose I had better let you tell your story," she said, "and I will
sit still and listen."
"He means to ill-treat you."
"And you will let him?"
"You had better listen, as you promised, Lizzie. He declares that the
marriage must be off at once unless you will send those diamonds to Mr.
Camperdown or to the jewellers."
"And by what law or rule does he justify himself in a decision so
monstrous? Is he prepared to prove that the property is not my own?"
"If you ask me my opinion as a lawyer, I doubt whether any such proof can
be shown.
Pages:
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364