And Miss Macnulty certainly received his attentions
with pleasure. In these circumstances his prolonged stay at the castle was
not questioned; but when towards the end of November Lord George and Sir
Griffin took their departure, he was obliged to return to his flock.
On the great subject of the diamonds Lizzie had spoken her mind freely to
Mrs. Carbuncle early in the days of their friendship--immediately, that
is, after the bargaining had been completed. "Ten thousand pounds!"
ejaculated Mrs. Carbuncle, opening wide her eyes. Lizzie nodded her head
thrice, in token of reiterated assurance. "Do you mean that you really
know their value?" The ladies at this time were closeted together, and
were discussing many things in the closest confidence.
"They were valued for me by jewellers."
"Ten thousand pounds! And Sir Florian gave them to you?"
"Put them round my neck, and told me they were to be mine, always."
"Generous man!"
"Ah, if you had but known him!" said Lizzie, just touching her eye with
her handkerchief.
"I dare say. And now the people claim them. I'm not a bit surprised at
that, my dear. I should have thought a man couldn't give away so much as
that, not just as one makes a present that costs forty or fifty pounds.
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