The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
The Eustace Necklace explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Camperdown, the Eustace family lawyer, is determined to recover the valuable diamond necklace that Lizzie Eustace claims as her own after Sir Florian's death. He discusses the matter with John Eustace, who suggests that the best solution might be for Lizzie to remarry a respectable man. Lizzie, meanwhile, ignores the lawyer's letters, consults with her own advisors (Mr. Mopus and Mr. Benjamin), and resolves to keep the diamonds despite the threat of legal action.
Themes in this chapter
Property and Ownership
The central conflict of the chapter revolves around whether the diamond necklace is Lizzie's personal property or an heirloom belonging to the Eustace family estate.
Deception and Perjury
Lizzie considers inventing a story about the gift of the diamonds and is willing to swear to false words, foreshadowing later perjury.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Receives and ignores letters from Mr. Camperdown demanding return of the diamonds; consults with Mr. Mopus and Mr. Benjamin about her legal position and the safety of the jewels.
- Mr. Camperdown
The Eustace family lawyer, determined to recover the diamond necklace, which he considers an heirloom and property of the heir; writes multiple letters and threatens legal action.
- John Eustace
Brother-in-law of Lizzie; discusses the diamond dispute with Mr. Camperdown and suggests that Lizzie might marry a respectable man to resolve the issue.
- Frank Greystock
Mentioned as the friend to whom John Eustace reported that Mr. Camperdown intended to 'jump upon' Lizzie; not directly involved in the chapter's events.
- Mr. Benjamin
Jeweller and partner in Harter and Benjamin; Lizzie consults him about the value of the diamonds and orders a strong box from him.
Key passages
“Mr. Camperdown was a gentleman of about sixty, who had been lawyer to Sir Florian’s father, and whose father had been lawyer to Sir Florian’s grandfather.”
Mr. Camperdown, around sixty years old, had served as the Eustace family lawyer for two generations, his father having served the generation before.
Establishes Mr. Camperdown's deep family loyalty and authority over Eustace affairs.
“They represent £500 a year forever, and she is to have them simply because she chooses to take them!”
The diamonds are worth a perpetual annual income of £500, yet she keeps them just by claiming them.
Highlights the financial stakes and Mr. Camperdown's outrage at Lizzie's entitlement.
“She could swear that her husband had given them to her, and could invent any form of words she pleased as accompanying the gift.”
Lizzie felt she could falsely testify that her husband had given her the necklace, making up any details she wanted.
Reveals Lizzie's willingness to lie to secure the diamonds.