hould be made after the diamonds among
all the possessions of Lady Eustace which were now lodged in her own
house,--poor Lizzie's courage deserted her entirely. She had been
very courageous; for, though her powers of endurance had sometimes
nearly deserted her, though her heart had often failed her, still
she had gone on and had endured and been silent. To endure and to be
silent in her position did require great courage. She was all alone
in her misery, and could see no way out of it. The diamonds were
heavy as a load of lead within her bosom. And yet she had persevered.
Now, as she heard Mrs. Carbuncle's words, her courage failed her.
There came some obstruction in her throat, so that she could not
speak. She felt as though her heart were breaking. She put out both
her hands and could not draw them back again. She knew that she
was betraying herself by her weakness. She could just hear the man
explaining that the search was merely a thing of ceremony,--just to
satisfy everybody that there was no mistake;--and then she fainted.
So far, Barrington Erle was correct in the information given by him
to Lady Glencora. She pressed one hand against her heart, gasped for
breath, and then fell back upon the sofa. Perhaps she could have
done nothing better. Had the fainting been counterfeit, the measure
would have shown ability. But the fainting was altogether true. Mrs.
Carbuncle first, and then Mr. Bunfit, hurried from their seats to
help her. To neither of them did it occur for a moment that the fit
was false.

"The whole thing has been too much for her," said Mrs. Carbuncle
severely, ringing the bell at the same time for further aid.

"No doubt,--mum; no doubt. We has to see a deal of this sort of
thing. Just a little air, if you please, mum,--and as much water as'd
go to christen a babby. That's always best, mum."

"If you'll have the kindness to stand on one side," said Mrs.
Carbuncle, as she stretched Lizzie on the sofa.

"Certainly, mum," said Bunfit, standing erect by the wall, but not
showing the slightest disposition to leave the room.

"You had better go," said Mrs. Carbuncle,--loudly and very severely.

"I'll just stay and see her come to, mum. I won't do her a morsel of
harm, mum. Sometimes they faints at the very fust sight of such as
we; but we has to bear it. A little more air, if you could, mum;--and
just dash the water on in drops like. They feels a drop more than
they would a bucketful,--and then when t