complimentary note, in which he suggested to Lady Eustace that it would be
for the advantage of all parties that the family jewels should be kept
together. Lizzie, as she read this note, smiled, and said to herself that
she did not exactly see how her own interests would be best served by such
an arrangement. She made no answer to Mr. Camperdown's note. Some months
after this, when the heir was born, and as Lady Eustace was passing
through London on her journey from Bobsborough to Portray, a meeting had
been arranged between her and Mr. Camperdown. She had endeavoured by all
the wiles she knew to avoid this meeting, but it had been forced upon her.
She had been almost given to understand that unless she submitted to it,
she would not be able to draw her income from the Portray property.
Messrs. Mowbray & Mopus had advised her to submit. "My husband gave me a
necklace, and they want me to give it back," she had said to Mr. Mopus.
"Do nothing of the kind," Mr. Mopus had replied. "If you find it
necessary, refer Mr. Camperdown to us. We will answer him." The interview
had taken place, during which Mr. Camperdown took the trouble to explain
very plainly and more than once that the income from the Portray property
belonged to Lady Eustace for her life only. It would after her death be
rejoined, of necessity, to the rest of the Eustace property. This was
repeated to Lady Eustace in the presence of John Eustace; but she made no
remark on being so informed. "You understand the nature of the settlement,
Lady Eustace?" Mr. Camperdown had said. "I believe I understand
everything," she replied. Then, just at the close of the interview, he
asked a question about the jewels. Lady Eustace at first made no reply.
"They might as well be sent back to Messrs. Garnett," said Mr. Camperdown.
"I don't know that I have any to send back," she answered; and then she
escaped before Mr. Camperdown was able to arrange any further attack. "I
can manage with her better by letter than I can personally," he said to
John Eustace.