Camperdown had been in asserting that the widow was keeping an enormous
amount of property and claiming it as her own, whereas in truth she had
not the slightest title to it. It was, in a great measure, in consequence
of the assertions of the Eustace faction, almost in obedience to their
advice, that he had resolved to break off the match; and now they turned
upon him, and John Eustace absolutely went out of his way to write him a
letter which was clearly meant to imply that he, Lord Fawn, was bound to
marry the woman to whom he had once engaged himself! Lord Fawn felt that
he was ill-used, and that a man might have to undergo a great deal of bad
treatment who should strive to put himself right in the eye of the public.
At last he wrote his letter--on a Wednesday, which with him had something
of the comfort of a half-holiday, as on that day he was not required to
attend Parliament.
"INDIA OFFICE, March 28, 18--.
"MY DEAR LADY EUSTACE: In accordance with the promise which I made to you
when I did myself the honour of waiting upon you in Hertford Street, I
take up my pen with the view of communicating to you the result of my
deliberations respecting the engagement of marriage which no doubt did
exist between us last summer.
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