them on behalf of the estate. In his opinion, whether
the diamonds were recovered or not, Lady Eustace was responsible to
the estate for their value. In opposition, first to the entreaties,
and then to the demands of her late husband's family, she had
insisted on absurdly carrying about with her an enormous amount of
property which did not belong to her. Mr. Camperdown opined that
she must pay for the lost diamonds out of her jointure. Frank, in a
huff, declared that, as far as he could see, the diamonds belonged
to his cousin;--in answer to which Mr. Camperdown suggested that
the question was one for the decision of the Vice-Chancellor. Frank
Greystock found that he could do nothing with Mr. Camperdown, and
felt that he could wreak his vengeance only on Lord Fawn.

Bunfit, when he returned from Mrs. Carbuncle's house to Scotland
Yard, had an interview with Major Mackintosh. "Well, Bunfit, have you
seen the lady?"

"Yes,--I did see her, sir."

"And what came of it?"

"She fainted away, sir--just as they always do."

"There was no search, I suppose?"

"No, sir;--no search. She wouldn't have it, unless her cousin, Mr.
Greystock, permitted."

"I didn't think she would."

"Nor yet didn't I, sir. But I'll tell you what it is, major. She
knows all about it."

"You think she does, Bunfit?"

"She does, sir; and she's got something locked up somewhere in that
house as'd elucidate the whole of this aggravating mystery, if only
we could get at it. Major,--"

"Well, Bunfit?"

"I ain't noways sure as she ain't got them very diamonds themselves
locked up, or, perhaps, tied round her person."

"Neither am I sure that she has not," said the major.

"The robbery at Carlisle was no robbery," continued Bunfit. "It was
a got-up plant, and about the best as I ever knowed. It's my mind
that it was a got-up plant between her ladyship and his lordship; and
either the one or the other is just keeping the diamonds till it's
safe to take 'em into the market."

CHAPTER L

In Hertford Street

During all this time Lucinda Roanoke was engaged to marry Sir Griffin
Tewett, and the lover was an occasional visitor in Hertford Street.
Mrs. Carbuncle was as anxious as ever that the marriage should be
celebrated on the appointed day, and though there had been repeated
quarrels, nothing had as yet taken place to make her despond. Sir
Griffin would make some offensive speech; Lucinda would tell him
that she had no desire ever