Had the thing been
better than it was, it would have been the further removed from his reach.
And in the same way, when rumours reached him prejudicial to Lizzie in
respect of the diamonds, he perceived that such prejudice might work weal
for him. A gentleman once, on ordering a mackerel that would come to a
shilling, found he could have a stale mackerel for sixpence. "Then bring
me a stale mackerel," said the gentleman. Mr. Emilius coveted fish, but
was aware that his position did not justify him in expecting the best fish
in the market. The Lord Fawns and the Frank Greystocks of the world would
be less likely to covet Lizzie, should she by any little indiscretion have
placed herself under a temporary cloud. Mr. Emilius had carefully observed
the heavens, and knew how quickly such clouds will disperse themselves
when they are tinged with gold. There was nothing which Lizzie had done,
or would be likely to do, which could materially affect her income. It
might indeed be possible that the Eustaces should make her pay for the
necklace; but even in that case there would be quite enough left for that
modest, unambitious comfort which Mr.
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