"And now let me ask, Lord Fawn, on what ground you and I stand together.
When my friend Lady Glencora asked me, only this morning, whether my
engagement with you was still an existing fact, and brought me the kindest
possible message on the same subject from her uncle, the duke, I hardly
knew what answer to make her." It was not surprising that Lizzie in her
difficulties should use her new friend, but perhaps she overdid the
friendship a little. "I told her that we were engaged, but that your
lordship's conduct to me had been so strange that I hardly knew how to
speak of you among my friends."
"I thought I explained myself to your cousin."
"My cousin certainly did not understand your explanation."
Lord Fawn was certain that Greystock had understood it well; and Greystock
had in return insulted him because the engagement was broken off. But it
is impossible to argue on facts with a woman who has been ill-used. "After
all that has passed perhaps we had better part," said Lord Fawn.
"Then I shall put the matter into the hands of the Duke of Omnium," said
Lizzie boldly. "I will not have my whole life ruined, my good name
blasted--"
"I have not said a word to injure your good name.
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