The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
The Trial explained
The trial of Benjamin and Smiler for the theft of the Eustace diamonds proceeds without Lizzie Eustace, who feigns illness in Scotland.
What happens
The trial of Benjamin and Smiler for the theft of the Eustace diamonds proceeds without Lizzie Eustace, who feigns illness in Scotland. The defense attorney delivers a scathing indictment of Lizzie's perjury and manipulation, arguing she should be the one on trial. Despite her absence, the jury convicts both men, sentencing them to fifteen years of penal servitude. The diamonds themselves are lost, having been sold to a Russian princess, and Mr. Camperdown fails to recover them. The police lament the loss of the property and the escape of Billy Cann, though Mr. Gager marries Patience Crabstick. Mr. Dove reflects that the disappearance of the diamonds may be a societal good.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Perjury
Lizzie's repeated perjury and feigned illness are central to the trial, as the defense argues she should be the one convicted.
Legal and Moral Justice
The trial highlights the gap between legal verdicts and moral culpability, with Lizzie escaping justice while Benjamin and Smiler are convicted.
Property and Ownership
The dispute over the diamonds' rightful ownership underpins the entire case, with Mr. Camperdown's failed recovery efforts underscoring the theme.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Absent from the trial, feigning illness at Portray Castle; her perjury and manipulation are condemned by the defense.
- Mr. Camperdown
Frustrated by his failure to recover the diamonds and by Lizzie's evasion of justice; reflects on his long pursuit.
- Mr. Dove
Opines that the loss of the diamonds is ultimately desirable for society, despite the legal complexities.
- Frank Greystock
Feels ambivalent about Lizzie's escape from testifying; receives a copy of her medical certificate.
- Lord Fawn
Testifies at the trial about breaking his engagement due to Lizzie's dishonest possession of the diamonds; the experience distresses him.
- Patience Crabstick
Testifies at the trial; later marries Mr. Gager.
- Billy Cann
Testifies against the prisoners but is allowed to escape by the police.
- Mr. Benjamin
Convicted of stealing and disposing of the diamonds; sentenced to fifteen years of penal servitude.
Key passages
“The vigour, the attitude, and the indignant tone of the man were more even than his words;—but, nevertheless, the jury did find both Benjamin and Smiler guilty, and the judge did sentence them to penal servitude for fifteen years.”
Despite the defense attorney's passionate speech, the jury convicted Benjamin and Smiler, and the judge sentenced them to fifteen years in prison.
The outcome of the trial, showing the jury's rejection of the defense's arguments.
“Mr. Dove seemed to be of opinion that the ultimate loss of the diamonds was upon the whole desirable, as regarded the whole community.”
Mr. Dove believed that the disappearance of the diamonds was ultimately beneficial for society.
Mr. Dove's philosophical reflection on the case's conclusion.
“There are certain statements which, though they are false as hell, must be treated as though they were true as gospel.”
Some false statements must be accepted as true by the court, no matter how dishonest they are.
The narrator's commentary on the legal system's inability to challenge Lizzie's medical certificate.
