The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
The Journey to London explained
Lizzie Eustace, alone in her hotel room after the reported theft of the Eustace diamonds, is secretly in possession of the necklace.
What happens
Lizzie Eustace, alone in her hotel room after the reported theft of the Eustace diamonds, is secretly in possession of the necklace. She contemplates hiding or destroying the jewels to avoid legal trouble and public scandal, while also considering selling them. The party travels to London, where Lizzie gives false testimony to the magistrates. Lord George jokingly suggests that the police suspect Lizzie herself of stealing the diamonds. Upon arrival, Lizzie sends for her cousin Frank Greystock, planning to possibly confide in him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Perjury
Lizzie commits perjury at the Carlisle inquest, swearing the diamonds were in the box when stolen, while she secretly possesses them.
Property and Ownership
Lizzie's internal debate about destroying or selling the diamonds reflects the contested ownership and her desire to retain control of the property.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Contemplates hiding or destroying the diamonds; commits perjury at Carlisle; travels to London; sends for Frank Greystock.
- Lord George de Bruce Carruthers
Accompanies Lizzie; jokes about police suspicion; suggests selling the diamonds in Vienna.
- Frank Greystock
Receives Lizzie's note and visits her the next morning.
- Patience Crabstick
Gives reticent evidence; delivers message to Lizzie about Frank's arrival.
- Mrs. Carbuncle
Travels with the party; laughs at Lord George's joke.
Key passages
“She would declare that the jewels had been in the box when the box was taken. The thieves would swear that the box had been empty.”
Lizzie plans to claim the diamonds were in the stolen box, expecting the thieves to say it was empty.
Lizzie's scheme to create a mystery and avoid exposure.
“If you have been so clever, Lady Eustace, I'll find a purchaser for them. One would have to go a good distance to do it—and there would be some expense. But the thing could be done. Vienna, I should think, would be about the place.”
Lord George offers to help sell the diamonds abroad if Lizzie has stolen them herself.
Lord George's joking suggestion reveals the possibility of selling the diamonds in Vienna.