n of whom it might
almost be said that she ought to wear diamonds. She was made to
sparkle, to be bright with outside garniture,--to shine and glitter,
and be rich in apparel. The only doubt might be whether paste
diamonds might not better suit her character. But these were not
paste, and she did shine and glitter and was very rich. It must not
be brought as an accusation against Lady Glencora's guests that they
pressed round to look at the necklace. Lady Glencora's guests knew
better than to do that. But there was some slight ferment,--slight,
but still felt both by Lord Fawn and by Lady Eustace. Eyes were
turned upon the diamonds, and there were whispers here and there.
Lizzie bore it very well; but Lord Fawn was uncomfortable.

"I like her for wearing them," said Lady Glencora to Lady Chiltern.

"Yes;--if she means to keep them. I don't pretend, however, to know
anything about it. You see the match isn't off."

"I suppose not. What do you think I did? He dined here, you know,
and, before going down-stairs, I told him that she was coming. I
thought it only fair."

"And what did he say?"

"I took care that he shouldn't have to say anything; but, to tell the
truth, I didn't expect him to come up."

"There can't be any quarrel at all," said Lady Chiltern.

"I'm not sure of that," said Lady Glencora. "They are not so very
loving."

Lady Eustace made the most of her opportunity. Soon after the
quadrille was over she asked Lord Fawn to get her carriage for her.
Of course he got it, and of course he put her into it, passing up and
down-stairs twice in his efforts on her behalf. And of course all the
world saw what he was doing. Up to the last moment not a word had
been spoken between them that might not have passed between the most
ordinary acquaintance, but, as she took her seat, she put her face
forward and did say a word. "You had better come to me soon," she
said.

"I will," said Lord Fawn.

"Yes; you had better come soon. All this is wearing me,--perhaps more
than you think."

"I will come soon," said Lord Fawn, and then he returned among Lady
Glencora's guests, very uncomfortable. Lizzie got home in safety and
locked up her diamonds in the iron box.

CHAPTER XVIII

"And I Have Nothing to Give"

It was now the end of June, and Frank Greystock had been as yet but
once at Fawn Court since he had written to Lucy Morris asking her to
be his wife. That was three weeks since, and as the barrier aga