# Quints or Semitenths explained — The Eustace Diamonds

> Chapter companion for The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

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. The chapter juxtaposes political trivialities with personal manipulation.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lv-quints-or-semitenths
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters