"D---- the necklace!" John Eustace had said, and the bishop unfortunately had heard him say it! "John," said the prelate, "whatever is to become of the bauble, you might express your opinion in more sensible language." "I beg your lordship's pardon," said John, "I only mean to say that I think we shouldn't trouble ourselves about a few stones." But the family lawyer, Mr.Camperdown, would by no means take this view of the matter.

It was, however, generally thought that the young widow opened her campaign more prudently than had been expected.
And now as so much has been said of the character and fortune and special circumstances of Lizzie Greystock, who became Lady Eustace as a bride, and Lady Eustace as a widow and a mother, all within the space of twelve months, it may be as well to give some description of her person and habits, such as they were at the period in which our story is supposed to have its commencement.

It must be understood in the first place that she was very lovely;--much more so, indeed, now than when she had fascinated Sir Florian.

She was small, but taller than she looked to be,--for her form was perfectly symmetrical.

Her feet and hands might have been taken as models by a sculptor.