The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter

Quints or Semitenths explained

Lady Glencora Palliser hosts a dinner party to discuss the naming of a new coin (the fifth of a penny), while also maneuvering to persuade Lord Fawn to reconsider his broken engagement with Lizzie Eustace.

What happens

Themes in this chapter

Social Climbing and Ambition
Lady Glencora uses her social influence to advance Lizzie's cause and manipulate Lord Fawn.
Deception and Perjury
Lady Glencora presents a one-sided, favorable view of Lizzie's conduct regarding the diamonds.
Class and Privilege
The dinner party and political discussions highlight the intersection of wealth, title, and power.

Characters to notice

Lady Glencora Palliser
Hosts the dinner and attempts to pressure Lord Fawn into reconciling with Lizzie Eustace.
Lord Fawn
Guest at the dinner; is cornered by Lady Glencora and urged to call on Lizzie Eustace.
Plantagenet Palliser
Host of the dinner; concerned with the naming of the new penny coin.
Mr. Bonteen
Supports the term 'quint' for the new coin.
Barrington Erle
Attends the dinner and jokes about the coin's name.
Lizzie Eustace
Mentioned as the subject of Lady Glencora's advocacy; not present.

Key passages

“The task which Lady Glencora had taken upon herself was not a very easy one.”
Lady Glencora's self-appointed mission was challenging.
Introduces her effort to influence Lord Fawn.
“Stick to your farthing.”
Keep using the old word 'farthing'.
Mr. Gresham's decisive advice on the coin's name.
“If Lady Glencora was determined to take up the cudgels for the woman he had rejected, the comfort and peace of his life would be over.”
Lord Fawn feared that Lady Glencora's support for Lizzie would ruin his peace.
Shows Lord Fawn's anxiety about Lady Glencora's influence.

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