What jewels I might have, or not have, was no concern of
yours till after I had become your wife. Go and ask all the world if it is
not so. You say that my cousin affronts you because he takes my part, like
a brother. Ask any one else. Ask any lady you may know. Let us name some
one to decide between us which of us has been wrong. Lady Glencora
Palliser is a friend of yours, and her husband is in the Government. Shall
we name her? It is true, indeed, that her uncle, the Duke of Omnium, the
grandest and greatest of English noblemen, is specially interested on my
behalf." This was very fine in Lizzie. The Duke of Omnium she had never
seen; but his name had been mentioned to her by Lady Glencora, and she was
quick to use it.
"I can admit of no reference to any one," said Lord Fawn.
"And I then, what am I to do? I am to be thrown over simply because your
lordship--chooses to throw me over. Your lordship will admit no reference
to any one! Your lordship makes inquiries as long as an attorney tells you
stories against me, but drops them at once when the attorney is made to
understand that he is wrong. Tell me this, sir. Can you justify yourself
in your own heart?"
Unfortunately for Lord Fawn, he was not sure that he could justify
himself.
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