that she was of age, and therefore no future husband would be legally
liable for any debt which she might then contract; and it was not true
that Sir Florian Eustace had asked her in marriage. Those two little
blemishes in her statement must be admitted. But it was true that Sir
Florian was at her feet, and that by a proper use of her various charms,
the pawned jewels included, she might bring him to an offer. Mr. Benjamin
made his inquiries, and acceded to the proposal. He did not tell Miss
Greystock that she had lied to him in that matter of her age, though he
had discovered the lie. Sir Florian would no doubt pay the bill for his
wife without any arguments as to the legality of the claim. From such
information as Mr. Benjamin could acquire, he thought that there would be
a marriage, and that the speculation was on the whole in his favour.
Lizzie recovered her jewels and Mr. Benjamin was in possession of a
promissory note purporting to have been executed by a person who was no
longer a minor. The jeweller was ultimately successful in his views, and
so was the lady.

Lady Linlithgow saw the jewels come back, one by one, ring added to ring
on the little taper fingers, the rubies for the neck and the pendent
yellow earrings. Though Lizzie was in mourning for her father, still these
things were allowed to be visible. The countess was not the woman to see
them without inquiry, and she inquired vigorously. She threatened,
stormed, and protested. She attempted even a raid upon the young lady's
jewel-box. But she was not successful. Lizzie snapped and snarled and held
her own, for at that time the match with Sir Florian was near its
accomplishment, and the countess understood too well the value of such a
disposition of her niece to risk it at the moment by any open rupture. The
little house in Brook Street--for the house was very small and very
comfortless--a house that had been squeezed in, as it were, between two
others without any fitting space for it--did not contain a happy family.