But she had now fully
worked herself up to the necessities of the occasion, and was as able to
play her part as any actress that ever walked the boards. She had called
him a dastard, and now stood looking him in the face. "I didn't mean
anybody in particular," said Lord Fawn.
"Then what right can you have to ask me whether I have received
attentions? Had it not been for the affectionate attention of my cousin,
Mr. Greystock, I should have died beneath the load of sorrow you have
heaped upon me." This she said quite boldly, and yet the man she named was
he of whom Andy Gowran told his horrid story, and whose love-making to
Lizzie had, in Mrs. Hittaway's opinion, been sufficient to atone for any
falling off of strength in the matter of the diamonds.
"A rumour reached me," said Lord Fawn, plucking up his courage, "that you
were engaged to marry your cousin."
"Then rumour lied, my lord. And he or she who repeated the rumour to you,
lied also. And any he or she who repeats it again will go on with the
lie." Lord Fawn's brow became very black. The word "lie" itself was
offensive to him, offensive even though it might not be applied directly
to himself; but he still quailed, and was unable to express his
indignation--as he had done to poor Lucy Morris, his mother's governess.
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