le who have heard it
have been good-natured enough to say that the error has been wilful.
That is what I call slander, Clara."

"And have you heard about her jewels?" Mrs. Hittaway was alluding
here to the report which had reached her as to Lizzie's debt to
Harter and Benjamin when she married Sir Florian; but Lord Fawn of
course thought of the diamond necklace.

"Yes;" said he, "I have heard all about them. Who told you?"

"I have known it ever so long. Sir Florian never got over it." Lord
Fawn was again in the dark, but he did not choose to commit himself
by asking further questions. "And then her treatment of Lady
Linlithgow, who was her only friend before she married, was something
quite unnatural. Ask the dean's people what they think of her. I
believe even they would tell you."

"Frank Greystock desired to marry her himself."

"Yes,--for her money, perhaps;--because he has not got a farthing in
the world. Dear Frederic, I only wish to put you on your guard. Of
course this is very unpleasant, and I shouldn't do it if I didn't
think it my duty. I believe she is artful and very false. She
certainly deceived Sir Florian Eustace about her debts;--and he never
held up his head after he found out what she was. If she has told you
falsehoods, of course you can break it off. Dear Frederic, I hope you
won't be angry with me."

"Is that all?" he asked.

"Yes;--that is all."

"I'll bear it in mind," he said. "Of course it isn't very pleasant."

"No;--I know it is not pleasant," said Mrs. Hittaway, rising, and
taking her departure with an offer of affectionate sisterly greeting,
which was not accepted with cordiality.

It was very unpleasant. That very morning Lord Fawn had received
letters from the Dean and the Bishop of Bobsborough congratulating
him on his intended marriage,--both those worthy dignitaries of the
Church having thought it expedient to verify Lizzie's statements.
Lord Fawn was, therefore, well aware that Lady Eustace had published
the engagement. It was known to everybody, and could not be broken
off without public scandal.

CHAPTER XII

"I Only Thought of It"

There was great perturbation down at Fawn Court. On the day fixed,
Monday, June 5, Lizzie arrived. Nothing further had been said by Lady
Fawn to urge the invitation; but, in accordance with the arrangement
already made, Lady Eustace, with her child, her nurse, and her own
maid, was at Fawn Court by four o'clock. A very long let