at I cannot tell as yet, and what must be found out.
If the diamonds formed part of an heirloom,--and there is evidence
that it is so,--you must give them up. Sir Florian could only give
away what was his own to give."

"But Lord Fawn had no right to dictate."

"Certainly not," said Frank; and then he made a promise, which he
knew to be rash, that he would stand by his pretty cousin in this
affair. "I don't see why you should assume that Lady Eustace is
keeping property that doesn't belong to her," he said to Lord Fawn.

"I go by what Camperdown tells me," said Lord Fawn.

"Mr. Camperdown is a very excellent attorney, and a most respectable
man," said Greystock. "I have nothing on earth to say against Mr.
Camperdown. But Mr. Camperdown isn't the law and the prophets, nor
yet can we allow him to be judge and jury in such a case as this."

"Surely, Mr. Greystock, you wouldn't wish it to go before a jury."

"You don't understand me, Lord Fawn. If any claim be really made
for these jewels by Mr. John Eustace on the part of the heir, or on
behalf of the estate, a statement had better be submitted to counsel.
The family deeds must be inspected, and no doubt counsel would agree
in telling my cousin, Lady Eustace, what she should, or what she
should not do. In the meantime, I understand that you are engaged to
marry her?"

"I was engaged to her, certainly," said Lord Fawn.

"You can hardly mean to assert, my lord, that you intend to be untrue
to your promise, and to throw over your own engagement because my
cousin has expressed her wish to retain property which she believes
to be her own!" This was said in a tone which made Lord Fawn surer
than ever that Greystock was his enemy to the knife. Personally, he
was not a coward; and he knew enough of the world to be quite sure
that Greystock would not attempt any personal encounter. But morally,
Lord Fawn was a coward, and he did fear that the man before him
would work him some bitter injury. "You cannot mean that," continued
Frank, "and you will probably allow me to assure my cousin that she
misunderstood you in the matter."

"I'd sooner see Mr. Camperdown again before I say anything."

"I cannot understand, Lord Fawn, that a gentleman should require an
attorney to tell him what to do in such a case as this." They were
standing now, and Lord Fawn's countenance was heavy, troubled, and
full of doubt. He said nothing, and was probably altogether unaware
how eloquent was h