The manner in which Lord Fawn had demanded its restitution,--in which there had been none of that mock tenderness by which she might have permitted herself to be persuaded,--had made her, at any rate for the moment, as firm as steel on this point.

It was inconceivable to her that he should think himself at liberty to go back from his promise, because she would not render up property which was in her possession, and which no one could prove not to be legally her own! She walked on full of fierce courage,--despising him, but determined that she would marry him.
"I am afraid we do not understand each other," he said at last.
"Certainly I do not understand you, sir." "Will you allow my mother to speak to you on the subject ?" "No.

If I told your mother to give up her diamonds, what would she say ?" "But they are not yours, Lady Eustace, unless you will submit that question to an arbitrator." "I will submit nothing to anybody.

You have no right to speak on such a subject till after we are married." "I must have it settled first, Lady Eustace." "Then, Lord Fawn, you won't have it settled first.

Or rather it is settled already.